Hadith #9700

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

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

المروءة من كل لؤم برية

which can be translated as

Magnanimity is being free from every [form of] wickedness.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble quality of magnanimity and its association with being free from any kind of wickedness or evil.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. "Al-Muruwwah" refers to magnanimity or nobility of character, encompassing virtues such as generosity, kindness, and righteousness. It is the embodiment of moral excellence and high moral standards. "Min kulli lu'm" means "from every wickedness" or

from all forms of evil.

This signifies that true magnanimity is not tainted by any form of wrongdoing or immorality.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of magnanimity and being free from wickedness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status. A person who possesses magnanimity is one who upholds high moral values and treats others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or social standing.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to maintain a steadfast and noble character.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. Magnanimity is not merely a superficial display of kindness or generosity; it goes beyond that. It is a state of being that is rooted in righteousness and purity of heart. A person who possesses true magnanimity is one who is free from any form of wickedness or evil. They do not engage in deceit, backbiting, or any other immoral actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and impeccable character made him a paragon of magnanimity. He treated friend and foe alike with fairness and compassion. He forgave those who wronged him and showed mercy even in the face of adversity. His actions were guided by his unwavering commitment to righteousness and his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of embodying this noble quality are far-reaching. When Muslims strive to cultivate magnanimity in their lives, they contribute to the betterment of society. They become beacons of light, spreading kindness, justice, and compassion wherever they go. By being free from wickedness, they create an environment of peace and harmony, fostering unity and brotherhood among believers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of magnanimity and being free from every form of wickedness. It calls upon Muslims to embody this noble quality in their thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, we can strive towards a society that is characterized by righteousness, kindness, and justice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate true magnanimity in our lives and be free from all forms of evil.