Hadith #2923

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the noble qualities and attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its deeper meanings and connecting it to the teachings of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) was one of moderation (قَصْدُ). This moderation can be understood as a balanced approach in all aspects of life. The Prophet (ﷺ) neither indulged in excessive worldly pleasures nor deprived himself of the permissible. This quality of moderation is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the balanced and just nature of the Prophet's (ﷺ) community.

The next quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the right guidance (رُشْدُ) of the Prophet's (ﷺ) actions. The Prophet (ﷺ) was a perfect example of righteousness and guided his ummah towards the path of righteousness. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the Prophet's (ﷺ) impeccable character and his ability to guide others towards righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the speech of the Prophet (ﷺ) as distinguishing [of truth from falsehood] (فَصْلُ). The Prophet (ﷺ) had the ability to eloquently and clearly articulate the truth, distinguishing it from falsehood. This quality is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them.

This verse highlights the Prophet's (ﷺ) role as a guide who distinguishes between right and wrong.

The next quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the just judgment (عَدْلُ) of the Prophet (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) was known for his fair and equitable judgments, ensuring justice for all. The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and fairness in all matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the words of the Prophet (ﷺ) were articulate (بَيانٌ). The Prophet (ﷺ) had the ability to express himself clearly and effectively, conveying his message to the people. This quality is emphasized in the Quran in Surah An-Nahl, verse 44, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet (ﷺ) as a clear communicator of Allah's message.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions the silence of the Prophet (ﷺ) as the most eloquent speech. The Prophet (ﷺ) had the ability to convey profound messages through his silence, which spoke volumes. This quality is exemplified in the Quran in Surah Al-Qalam, verse 51, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say, 'Indeed, he is mad.' But it is not except a reminder to the worlds.

This verse highlights the impact of the Prophet's (ﷺ) silence, which served as a reminder to the people.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). His practice was one of moderation, his actions were guided by righteousness, his speech distinguished truth from falsehood, his judgments were just, his words were articulate, and his silence spoke volumes. These qualities are not only praised by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but they are also supported by various verses of the Quran. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our own lives, following the example of the Prophet (ﷺ) and seeking guidance from the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) in our lives.