Hadith #2518

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا قَلَّ أهْلُ الفَضْلِ هَلَكَ أهْلُ التَّجَمُّلِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

When the kind people become fewer, those who adorn themselves get ruined.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "أهْلُ الفَضْلِ" refers to the people of virtue, righteousness, and excellence. These are individuals who possess noble qualities such as generosity, kindness, and compassion. They are the ones who prioritize the well-being of others over their own desires and adornments.

On the other hand, "أهْلُ التَّجَمُّلِ" refers to those who focus solely on adorning themselves outwardly. These individuals are more concerned with their physical appearance, material possessions, and worldly desires. They prioritize their own self-interests over the welfare of others.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give wealth, however cherished, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the significance of giving wealth to those in need, which is a characteristic of the people of virtue mentioned in the Hadith. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in selfless acts of kindness and generosity, rather than mere outward displays of religiosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reminds us to seek strength and sustenance from Allah, rather than relying solely on our outward adornments and material possessions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of neglecting the virtues of kindness and selflessness. When the number of kind-hearted individuals decreases, society becomes more focused on superficial appearances and materialistic pursuits. This leads to the ruin of those who prioritize their own adornments and desires over the well-being of others.

We can see the truth of this Hadith in our own lives. When individuals prioritize their own self-interests and neglect the needs of others, it creates a society that is devoid of compassion and empathy. This lack of kindness and virtue can lead to a breakdown of relationships, increased inequality, and a general decline in the overall well-being of society.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is essential for us to embody the qualities of the people of virtue mentioned in the Hadith. We should strive to be kind, generous, and selfless in our interactions with others. By doing so, we can contribute to the betterment of society and prevent the ruin that comes from a focus solely on outward adornments and materialistic pursuits.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize kindness, virtue, and selflessness over outward appearances and material possessions. It warns us of the consequences that arise when the number of kind-hearted individuals decreases in society. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and implementing them in our lives, we can strive to be among the people of virtue and contribute to a more compassionate and just society. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to be among those who adorn themselves with virtuous qualities.