Hadith #5161

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,

Holding on to comprehensive merit (or merits) is from the perfection of honor.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of embracing and embodying all virtues and noble qualities. To truly attain honor and excellence, one must strive to possess and practice a wide range of virtues.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word "kamal" refers to perfection or completeness, while "sharaf" signifies honor or nobility. The term "al-akhth" means holding on or grasping, and "jawami' al-fadl" refers to comprehensive merit or virtues.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not limiting oneself to a single virtue or quality, but rather embracing a wide range of noble traits. It encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, whether it be in their character, actions, or relationships. By doing so, they can attain a higher level of honor and distinction in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 honor and nobility are not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. It emphasizes the importance of embracing comprehensive merit by embodying all virtuous qualities, regardless of one's background or social standing.

Another verse that aligns with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balance in one's pursuit of virtue. It encourages Muslims to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling their responsibilities in this world. By doing good and avoiding corruption, Muslims can embrace comprehensive merit and attain honor in both realms.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to continuously strive for self-improvement and the acquisition of various virtues. It urges us to avoid complacency and to constantly seek opportunities to enhance our character and actions.

By holding on to comprehensive merit, we can become well-rounded individuals who embody the teachings of Islam in all aspects of our lives. This includes being just, compassionate, patient, generous, and truthful, among many other virtues. Embracing these qualities not only brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also enables us to positively impact those around us and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and perfection lie in embracing comprehensive merit. By striving to embody a wide range of virtues, we can attain a higher level of honor and excellence in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to hold on to comprehensive merit and continuously seek self-improvement.