Hadith #9805

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

إذا زادَكَ السُّلْطانُ تَقْريباً فَزِدْهُ إجْلالاً۔

which translates to,

When the ruler makes you come closer to him, then increase your exaltation of him.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of showing respect and honor to those in positions of authority, even if they may not be deserving of it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us explore the key words and their implications. The word (sultan) "سُّلْطانُ" refers to the ruler or the one in authority. It signifies a person who holds power and control over others. The word (taqreeban) "تَقْريباً" means to bring closer or to establish a closer relationship. And the word (ijlaalan) "إجْلالاً" means to exalt, honor, or show respect.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:59),

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse highlights the importance of obeying those in authority, regardless of their personal qualities or shortcomings. It is a command from Allah to show respect and obedience to those who hold positions of power.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, do not put yourselves before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse reminds us that our actions should be guided by the fear of Allah and not by our personal opinions or judgments. Therefore, when the ruler brings us closer to him, we should increase our exaltation of him as an act of obedience to Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of maintaining unity and order within society. By showing respect and honor to those in authority, we contribute to the stability and harmony of our communities. Secondly, it teaches us humility and the importance of recognizing our own limitations. We may not always agree with the decisions or actions of those in power, but it is not our place to challenge or undermine their authority. Instead, we should focus on our own duties and responsibilities as Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to adopt a mindset of servitude and submission to Allah's commandments. By obeying those in authority, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's wisdom and His ability to guide and protect us. It also serves as a reminder that our ultimate allegiance is to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ), and that our actions should always be in accordance with their teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of showing respect and honor to those in positions of authority. It teaches us to increase our exaltation of the ruler when they bring us closer to them, as an act of obedience to Allah's commandments. This Hadith serves as a reminder of the principles of unity, humility, and servitude that are essential for the well-being of our communities and our spiritual growth as Muslims. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges of this world with grace and righteousness.