Hadith #1733

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جَمالُ الحُرِّ تَجَنُّبُ العارِ۔

This can be translated as,

Beauty of the freeman is [in] keeping away from dishonour.

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

The word (jamal) "جَمالُ" in this Hadith refers to beauty or attractiveness. It signifies the inner and outer qualities that make a person pleasing and admirable. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true beauty lies in the character and conduct of a person, rather than mere physical appearance. It is the beauty of the soul that shines through in one's actions and interactions.

The term (al-hurr) "الحُرِّ" refers to a freeman or a person who is free from the shackles of ignorance, oppression, and moral corruption. It signifies someone who possesses noble qualities and acts with integrity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the beauty of such a person lies in their ability to distance themselves from dishonorable behavior.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, 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 and beauty lie in righteousness and piety. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or physical appearance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) judges individuals based on their character, actions, and their ability to uphold moral values. Therefore, the beauty of a freeman, as mentioned in the Hadith, is rooted in their commitment to righteousness and their avoidance of dishonor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the importance of adorning oneself with righteousness. Just as clothing covers and adorns our physical bodies, righteousness covers and adorns our souls. It is this inner beauty that truly matters in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and distinguishes a freeman from others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true beauty is not superficial but rather a reflection of one's character and conduct. A person who strives to distance themselves from dishonorable actions and behaviors demonstrates their commitment to righteousness and moral integrity. This commitment is what elevates a person's status and brings them closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By embodying the teachings of Islam and adhering to the principles of justice, honesty, and compassion, Muslims can cultivate this inner beauty. They can become true freemen who are admired and respected for their noble qualities. It is through their actions and conduct that they can inspire others and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true beauty lies in keeping away from dishonor. It is the beauty of the freeman, who strives to distance themselves from immoral behavior and upholds the principles of righteousness. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, Muslims can attain this inner beauty and strive to be true freemen in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the beauty of the freeman.