Hadith #9386

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of elevating the status of a wicked person, and the diminishing of the people around him, whereas the honorable person is the opposite of this. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (irtafa'at) "ارْتَفَعَتْ" in the Hadith means "to be raised" or "to be elevated." It refers to the increase in status or position of a vile person. The word (rutbah) "رُتْبَةُ" means "rank" or "position." It signifies the social standing or reputation of an individual. The term (la'eem) "لَّئِيمِ" refers to a wicked or vile person, someone who lacks moral integrity and righteousness. On the other hand, the word (kareem) "كَرِيمُ" refers to an honorable person, someone who possesses noble qualities and high moral character.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83):

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that the ultimate reward lies in the Hereafter for those who do not seek power, status, or corruption in this worldly life. The vile person, whose rank is elevated, is often driven by selfish desires, seeking personal gain and dominance. As a result, the people around him diminish, as they are repelled by his wickedness and lack of integrity. This can be seen in various contexts, such as in politics, where corrupt leaders often lose the support and trust of the people.

Conversely, the honorable person, who possesses noble qualities and upholds righteous values, is the opposite of the vile person. The Quran attests to the virtues of the honorable ones in Surah Al-Qasas (28:54):

Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them, they spend.

The honorable person, through their righteous actions and noble character, attracts people towards them. Their integrity and kindness inspire others to follow their example, and they are respected and admired by those around them. Their rank is not based on worldly power or material wealth, but rather on their piety and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of elevating the status of a wicked person. Such individuals may gain temporary power and influence, but they ultimately lose the support and respect of the people. On the other hand, the honorable person, through their noble character and righteous actions, attracts others towards them and earns their admiration and loyalty. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the qualities of the honorable ones and distance ourselves from the path of the wicked. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the straight path and grant us the strength to uphold righteousness in all aspects of our lives.