Hadith #9299

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose competence is good is loved by his sovereign.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of competence and skill in earning the love and favor of those in authority. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is "kifayatuhu," which translates to "competence" or "sufficiency." It refers to a person's ability to fulfill their responsibilities and duties effectively. This competence can be in various aspects of life, such as knowledge, skills, or character. When a person possesses good competence, they are able to carry out their tasks efficiently and effectively.

The Hadith highlights that one who possesses good competence is loved by their sovereign. Here, the term "sultanuhu" refers to the one in authority or the ruler. It could be applied to both worldly rulers and spiritual leaders. This Hadith implies that those in authority appreciate and value individuals who are competent and capable.

To understand the significance of competence, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge, skills, and excellence in various aspects of life. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah says,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse narrates the incident of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) intervening in a fight between two men. His intervention resulted in the unintentional death of one of them. Here, we can see the importance of competence and skill in handling situations. Prophet Musa's intervention was not based on incompetence or lack of knowledge; rather, it was a result of the circumstances and the influence of Satan. This incident highlights the significance of competence in making wise decisions and taking appropriate actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Yusuf, verse 55, Allah says,

And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

This verse refers to the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his competence and wisdom. Allah granted him authority and power in the land, allowing him to settle wherever he pleased. This demonstrates that competence and excellence are qualities that are rewarded by Allah and appreciated by those in authority.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that competence is not only important in worldly matters but also in our spiritual journey. A person who possesses good competence in matters of faith and knowledge is more likely to earn the love and favor of their spiritual leaders. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, which earned him the love and respect of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of competence and skill in earning the love and favor of those in authority. This competence can be in various aspects of life, including knowledge, skills, and character. The Quranic verses mentioned support this concept by highlighting the significance of competence in making wise decisions, taking appropriate actions, and being rewarded by Allah. As Muslims, we should strive to develop our competence in all aspects of life, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the love of those in authority. May Allah grant us the ability to excel in our endeavors and earn His love and the love of our leaders.