Hadith #3215

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أحْسَنُ السَّناءِ الخُلْقُ السَّجيحُ۔

This can be translated as,

The best eminence is [in possessing] a beautiful character.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" means the best or the most excellent. It signifies the highest level of perfection and excellence. (sanaa) "السَّناءِ" refers to eminence or distinction, while (khulq) "الخُلْقُ" means character or disposition. Lastly, (sajih) "السَّجيحُ" translates to beautiful or noble.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of good character in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This highlights the significance of possessing a noble character, as exemplified by the Prophet (ﷺ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true eminence lies in righteousness and piety, which are reflected in one's character.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of cultivating a beautiful character. It serves as a reminder that true excellence is not merely based on external appearances or worldly achievements, but rather on the inner qualities that shape our interactions with others.

A beautiful character encompasses traits such as kindness, patience, honesty, humility, and forgiveness. It is reflected in how we treat others, regardless of their social status, religion, or ethnicity. A person with a beautiful character is one who is compassionate and empathetic, who strives to bring happiness and ease to those around them.

When we possess a beautiful character, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Our actions and words have a profound impact on those around us, influencing them to strive for goodness and righteousness. By embodying the teachings of Islam and displaying a noble character, we become ambassadors of our faith and attract others towards the path of righteousness.

Conversely, a person with a negative character, characterized by arrogance, dishonesty, and ill-treatment of others, creates a toxic environment and distances people from the true teachings of Islam. Such behavior contradicts the principles of justice, compassion, and mercy that Islam promotes.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating a beautiful character. It reminds us that true eminence lies in the inner qualities that shape our interactions with others. By embodying the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can strive to develop a character that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to humanity. May Allah guide us all to possess a beautiful character and grant us the ability to be a source of goodness and inspiration for others.