Hadith #1500

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 (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالبُِرِّ يُمْلَكُ الحُرُّ۔" This can be translated as,

Through righteousness the free man is owned.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (bil-birr) "بِالبُِرِّ" in this Hadith refers to righteousness, piety, and moral excellence. It encompasses acts of kindness, charity, honesty, and fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and His creation. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both external actions and internal intentions.

The word (yumliku) "يُمْلَكُ" means to own, possess, or control. In this context, it signifies that the one who possesses righteousness gains true freedom and control over their own self. It implies that righteousness liberates a person from the shackles of their desires, ego, and worldly attachments.

The Hadith emphasizes that true freedom lies in righteousness. It implies that a person who possesses righteousness is not enslaved by their own whims and desires, nor are they influenced by societal pressures or materialistic pursuits. Instead, they are guided by the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Quran.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness.

This verse highlights that righteousness is the ultimate provision for the journey of life. It is the key to success and true freedom.

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.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority are not based on lineage or wealth, but rather on righteousness.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that righteousness is not merely a superficial act, but a comprehensive way of life. It is a path that leads to true freedom, inner peace, and spiritual elevation. When a person embodies righteousness, they become the master of their own self, their desires are aligned with the will of Allah, and they are liberated from the chains of worldly attachments.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and piety made him the embodiment of righteousness. He was known for his impeccable character, justice, and devotion to Allah. His actions and teachings continue to inspire Muslims across the world.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can attain true freedom and become the masters of our own selves. Let us remember that it is through righteousness that we can achieve success in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody righteousness and attain true freedom. May He bless us with the guidance to follow the path of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the other righteous individuals mentioned in the Quran. Ameen.