Hadith #9150

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

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

الكرم إيثار العرض على المال

which translates to

Nobleness is preferring dignity over wealth.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing honor and integrity over material possessions.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-karam) "الكرم" refers to nobleness or generosity, which encompasses acts of kindness, benevolence, and selflessness. (i'thar) "إيثار" means to prefer or prioritize, indicating the act of giving precedence to something over another. (al-'ird) "العرض" refers to dignity, honor, and self-respect. Lastly, (al-mal) "المال" signifies wealth or material possessions.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of prioritizing dignity and honor over worldly wealth. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than relying solely on material possessions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse emphasizes the importance of utilizing wealth for the betterment of oneself and others, rather than becoming attached to it and forgetting the ultimate goal of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true nobility lies in valuing one's dignity, integrity, and self-respect above material possessions. It encourages us to prioritize our character, morals, and principles over the pursuit of wealth and worldly gains.

When we prioritize dignity over wealth, we are more likely to make choices that align with our values and principles. For example, if we are faced with a situation where compromising our dignity would lead to financial gain, we should choose to uphold our self-respect and integrity, even if it means sacrificing material benefits. This could manifest in various aspects of life, such as refusing to engage in dishonest business practices or standing up against injustice, even if it means facing financial hardships.

By prioritizing dignity over wealth, we cultivate a sense of self-worth and honor that cannot be measured by material possessions. This mindset allows us to focus on the true purpose of our existence, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. It reminds us that our worth as individuals is not determined by our bank balance, but rather by our character, actions, and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize dignity, honor, and self-respect over the pursuit of wealth and material possessions. It encourages us to make choices that align with our values and principles, even if it means sacrificing financial gain. By doing so, we cultivate a sense of self-worth and honor that transcends the temporary nature of worldly possessions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the nobleness described in this Hadith.