Hadith #4996

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities of an eminent person. Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sayyid) "سَيِّد" in Arabic refers to a person of high status, honor, and excellence. It denotes someone who is distinguished and respected. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the characteristics that define a truly eminent person.

The first quality mentioned is that an eminent person does not engage in flattery or sycophancy. They do not seek to please others through insincere praise or false compliments. This trait is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of sincerity and honesty in all aspects of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

The second quality mentioned is that an eminent person does not deceive others. They do not engage in dishonesty, manipulation, or trickery. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

The third quality mentioned is that an eminent person is not swayed by greedy ambitions. They are not driven by materialistic desires or worldly gains. The Quran warns against the allure of worldly possessions and emphasizes the importance of contentment and detachment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:96):

And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for life - [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And Allah is Seeing of what they do.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that true eminence lies in sincerity, honesty, and detachment from worldly desires. An eminent person is one who upholds these qualities and remains steadfast in their principles, regardless of the circumstances. They do not compromise their integrity for personal gain or the approval of others.

By embodying these qualities, an eminent person becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their actions and words reflect the teachings of Islam, and they serve as a role model for the Muslim community. Their sincerity and honesty create an environment of trust and unity, fostering a society based on justice and righteousness.

As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and seek to emulate the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should be mindful of our intentions, ensuring that they are pure and free from any ulterior motives. We should be honest in our dealings with others, avoiding deception and manipulation. And we should strive to detach ourselves from the materialistic desires of this world, focusing instead on the pursuit of spiritual growth and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of an eminent person and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He guide us to sincerity, honesty, and detachment from worldly desires. And may He bless us with the strength and wisdom to be a source of inspiration and guidance for others.