Hadith #3088

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he provides us with valuable guidance on how to attain complete eminence. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (dress yourself with modesty) "تَسَرْبَلِ الْحَياءَ". The word "حَياءَ" refers to a sense of modesty, bashfulness, and humility. It encompasses a person's behavior, speech, and appearance. The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best.

The second phrase in the Hadith is (wear the armour of loyalty) "وادَّرَِعِ الْوَفاءَ". The word "وَفاءَ" refers to loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's commitments. Loyalty is a fundamental characteristic that strengthens relationships and builds trust. The Quran highlights the importance of loyalty in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

The next instruction in the Hadith is (safeguard brotherhood) "واحْفَظِ الإخاءَ". The word "إخاءَ" refers to brotherhood, unity, and maintaining harmonious relationships within the Muslim community. The Quran emphasizes the importance of unity and brotherhood in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the believers are brothers.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (reduce your conversations with women) "وأقْلِلْ مُحادَثَةَ النِّساءِ". This instruction emphasizes the need for appropriate interactions and maintaining boundaries between men and women. The Quran provides guidance on this matter in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:53), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.

By following these instructions, one can attain complete eminence. Dressing with modesty, wearing the armor of loyalty, safeguarding brotherhood, and maintaining appropriate interactions with women all contribute to the development of a balanced and virtuous character.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in this Hadith is not meant to isolate or discriminate against women, but rather to emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries and interactions in order to preserve the sanctity of relationships and protect oneself from potential harm.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable guidance on how to attain complete eminence. By dressing with modesty, wearing the armor of loyalty, safeguarding brotherhood, and maintaining appropriate interactions with women, we can cultivate a virtuous character and strengthen our relationships with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings and attain complete eminence in our lives.