Hadith #3223

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he provides us with valuable insights into the qualities of those whom he praised. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

When they speak, they are truthful.

This emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our speech, aligning with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70),

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.

The believers are commanded to speak the truth and uphold justice in their words, just as those praised by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) do.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

When they are silent, they are not surpassed.

This highlights the wisdom and restraint of those praised. They possess the ability to remain silent when necessary, refraining from engaging in futile arguments or idle gossip. This aligns with the Quranic guidance in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

The believers are urged to speak that which is best and avoid falling into the traps of Satan's divisive tactics.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

When they look, they take lesson.

This signifies the attentiveness and mindfulness of those praised. They possess the ability to derive lessons and insights from their observations. This aligns with the Quranic teachings in Surah Al-Hashr (59:2),

It is He who expelled the ones who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allah; but [the decree of] Allah came upon them from where they had not expected, and He cast terror into their hearts [so] they destroyed their houses by their [own] hands and the hands of the believers. So take warning, O people of vision.

The believers are encouraged to reflect upon the lessons and warnings contained in historical events and the signs of Allah's power.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

When they turn away, they are not distracted.

This highlights the focus and determination of those praised. They are not easily swayed or diverted from their goals and responsibilities. This aligns with the Quranic guidance in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4),

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

The believers are reminded to remain steadfast in their faith and not be distracted by the temptations and pressures of the world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

When they talk, they remember [Allah].

This signifies the remembrance of Allah in the speech of those praised. They are conscious of Allah's presence and strive to mention His name and remember His blessings. This aligns with the Quranic teachings in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205),

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

The believers are encouraged to remember Allah in their speech, acknowledging His greatness and seeking His guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes,

When they are quiet, they contemplate.

This highlights the contemplative nature of those praised. They engage in deep reflection and introspection, seeking to understand the deeper meanings and wisdom behind their experiences. This aligns with the Quranic guidance in Surah Al-Imran (3:191),

Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

The believers are encouraged to contemplate the signs of Allah's creation and seek a deeper understanding of His wisdom.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable insights into the qualities of those whom he praised. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, wisdom, attentiveness, focus, remembrance of Allah, and contemplation. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become individuals who are truthful in speech, wise in silence, attentive in observation, focused in our pursuits, conscious of Allah in our speech, and reflective in our thoughts. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate these qualities and become individuals who are praised by the likes of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).