Hadith #10118

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities of nobility, generosity, and fulfilling promises. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "noblity" in Arabic is (النُّبْلُ) "al-nubl", which refers to a high moral character and honorable conduct. It encompasses traits such as dignity, integrity, and righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true nobility is not attained through wealth, power, or social status, but rather through the adornment of generosity and the fulfillment of promises.

The word "adorn" in Arabic is (التَّحَلِّي) "al-tahalli", which means to beautify or embellish oneself with a particular quality. In this context, it signifies adorning oneself with the quality of generosity. Generosity is an essential virtue in Islam, as it involves giving freely and selflessly to others, without expecting anything in return. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the importance of giving for the sake of Allah and seeking His pleasure alone. It is through acts of generosity that we adorn ourselves with the noble quality mentioned in the Hadith.

The word "fulfilling" in Arabic is (الوَفاءُ) "al-wafa", which means to fulfill or keep one's promises. Fulfilling promises is a fundamental aspect of integrity and trustworthiness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and fulfilling contracts and agreements. It is a reflection of one's trustworthiness and reliability. By fulfilling our promises, we demonstrate our commitment to truthfulness and integrity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true nobility lies in the combination of these two qualities - generosity and fulfilling promises. When we are generous, we not only benefit others but also elevate our own character. By fulfilling our promises, we establish trust and strengthen our relationships with others.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are far-reaching. Generosity fosters a sense of compassion, empathy, and gratitude within us. It creates a cycle of giving and receiving, where acts of kindness and generosity are reciprocated by Allah's blessings and the gratitude of those we help. Fulfilling promises, on the other hand, builds trust and reliability. It strengthens our bonds with others and establishes a foundation of honesty and integrity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying these qualities in our daily lives as Muslims. By adorning ourselves with generosity and fulfilling our promises, we not only attain nobility in the eyes of Allah but also inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Let us strive to be people of noble character, reflecting the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran in all aspects of our lives.