Hadith #9718

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مِنْ أفْضَلِ المُرُوَّةِ صِيانَةُ الحَزْمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Maintaining resoluteness [and judiciousness] is from the most excellent magnanimity.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (muruwwah) "مُرُوَّةِ" refers to magnanimity, nobility, and virtue. It encompasses qualities such as patience, forbearance, and steadfastness. It is a characteristic that reflects the strength of one's character and their ability to navigate through challenges with grace and dignity.

The word (siyanah) "صِيانَةُ" means to safeguard or protect. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the act of preserving and maintaining one's resoluteness and judiciousness. It implies the importance of guarding these qualities and not allowing them to waver or be compromised.

To understand the significance of maintaining resoluteness and judiciousness, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not determined by one's lineage, wealth, or social status. Therefore, maintaining resoluteness and judiciousness, which are qualities of righteousness, is a manifestation of true magnanimity.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of righteousness, which includes acts of charity, fulfilling promises, and being patient in times of difficulty. It encompasses the qualities of resoluteness and judiciousness, as one must remain steadfast and make wise decisions even in challenging circumstances.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Maintaining resoluteness and judiciousness is not only a sign of magnanimity, but it is also a reflection of true righteousness and piety. It requires a strong character, rooted in faith, to remain steadfast and make wise choices in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified these qualities throughout his life. His unwavering commitment to justice, his wisdom in governance, and his patience in the face of trials are all testament to his resoluteness and judiciousness. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate his example and cultivate these qualities within ourselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that maintaining resoluteness and judiciousness is not only a mark of magnanimity, but it is also a reflection of true righteousness. By remaining steadfast and making wise choices, we embody the noble qualities that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) values. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to uphold these virtues in our lives.