Hadith #4901

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالوَقارِ تَكْثُرُ الهَيْبَةُ۔" which translates to

Through solemnity, one’s reverence increases.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of maintaining a dignified and composed demeanor in order to cultivate a sense of respect and awe in others.

The word (waqar) "وَقَار" in this Hadith refers to solemnity, dignity, and gravity. It encompasses the idea of conducting oneself with a sense of seriousness and composure. By embodying this quality, one is able to command respect and admiration from others. The word (haybah) "هَيْبَةُ" refers to reverence, awe, and a sense of fear or admiration that one feels towards someone who possesses great qualities or authority.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining a dignified demeanor and the consequences of failing to do so. In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 32, Allah says, (And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts)

وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ

This verse highlights the significance of showing reverence towards the symbols and rituals of Allah, which includes behaving with solemnity and dignity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 2, Allah describes the qualities of the believers, saying, (And they who turn away from ill speech)

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُونَ

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding idle talk and frivolous behavior, and instead, focusing on meaningful and purposeful actions. By abstaining from engaging in vain and trivial matters, one is able to maintain a sense of solemnity and dignity in their conduct.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us of the power and influence that comes with maintaining a dignified demeanor. When we carry ourselves with solemnity, we inspire respect and admiration in others. People are naturally drawn to those who exude a sense of seriousness and composure, as it reflects a strong character and wisdom.

By embodying this quality, we can have a positive impact on those around us. Our words and actions will carry more weight, and our opinions will be valued. When we speak, people will listen attentively, and when we lead, others will follow with trust and confidence.

Conversely, when we lack solemnity and allow ourselves to be consumed by frivolous behavior, we diminish our own credibility and influence. People may perceive us as lacking in wisdom or seriousness, and our words and actions may be disregarded or taken lightly.

Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to strive towards embodying the quality of solemnity in our daily lives. This means conducting ourselves with composure, seriousness, and dignity in all aspects of our lives, whether it be in our interactions with others, our work, or our worship.

Let us reflect on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith and strive to cultivate a sense of solemnity within ourselves. By doing so, we can increase our reverence and inspire respect in others, ultimately leading to a more impactful and meaningful existence as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this quality and may He bless us with the wisdom and strength to conduct ourselves with dignity and composure.