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اِحْذَرُوا صَوْلَةَ الكَريمِ إذا جاعَ، وأشَرَ اللَّئيمِ إذا شَبَعَ۔

Be cautious of the assault of the noble-minded person when he is hungry and the insolence of the wicked one when he is satiated.

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Be cautious of the assault of the noble-minded person when he is hungry...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Noble -Minded And Munificent)

Personal Reflection

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about two contrasting behaviors: the assault of a noble-minded person when he is hungry and the insolence of a wicked one when he is satiated. To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (sawlah) "صَوْلَةَ" refers to the assault or attack, while (al-karim) "الكَريمِ" denotes the noble-minded person. The word (ashara) "أشَرَ" signifies insolence or wickedness, and (al-la'eem) "اللَّئيمِ" refers to the wicked one. It is important to note that these words are not limited to physical assault or insolence, but also encompass their psychological and emotional aspects.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, as they are akin to consuming the flesh of one's brother. Just as we would detest eating the flesh of a deceased person, we should detest engaging in harmful behavior towards others. The assault mentioned in the Hadith can be understood as the negative assumptions and backbiting that a noble-minded person may engage in when they are hungry or deprived of their needs. Hunger can cloud one's judgment and lead to impulsive actions that harm others.

On the other hand, the Quran also warns against the insolence and wickedness of those who are satiated. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:17-18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, We have tried them as We tried the companions of the garden, when they swore to cut its fruit in the [early] morning, without making exception. So there came upon the garden an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep.

This verse recounts the story of a group of people who were blessed with a garden but became insolent and arrogant due to their abundance. They swore to harvest the fruits of the garden in the morning without considering any exceptions. However, Allah tested them by sending an affliction upon their garden while they were asleep, causing it to wither and perish. This serves as a reminder that arrogance and insolence can lead to destruction and loss, even for those who are seemingly prosperous.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When a noble-minded person is hungry or deprived, they may be more prone to negative assumptions and harmful behavior. Hunger can weaken one's self-control and lead to impulsive actions that harm others. Therefore, we should be cautious of our own behavior and strive to maintain our noble qualities even in times of difficulty.

Conversely, the insolence and wickedness of the satiated can also cause harm and destruction. When one is filled with arrogance and self-satisfaction, they may overlook the needs and rights of others. This serves as a reminder to remain humble and grateful for our blessings, treating others with kindness and empathy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be cautious of the assault of the noble-minded person when they are hungry and the insolence of the wicked one when they are satiated. By reflecting on the meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining our noble qualities in times of difficulty and avoiding arrogance and insolence in times of abundance. May Allah guide us to embody these teachings and protect us from harmful behavior.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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