Hadith #6532

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The derriere is one of the two faces.

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is profound and requires a deeper understanding to grasp its meaning. To comprehend this statement, we must first explore the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (ajeezah) "عَجيزَةُ" refers to the derriere or the backside. It is derived from the root word (ajaza) "عَجَزَ", which means to be weak or feeble. The word (wajhayn) "وَجْهَيْنِ" means two faces. It is derived from the root word (wajh) "وَجْه", which means face or countenance.

Now, let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has mentioned the concept of "faces" in the Quran in various contexts. In Surah Al-Rahman, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 55:26-27)

Everything upon the earth will perish, and there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.

This verse highlights the eternal nature of Allah's Face, which symbolizes His essence and attributes. It signifies the everlasting existence of Allah's divine presence. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the derriere is one of the two faces, he is drawing our attention to the fact that just as Allah's Face is eternal and significant, the derriere also holds importance.

The derriere, which is often associated with weakness or insignificance, is being compared to one of the faces. This comparison serves as a reminder that even the seemingly insignificant parts of our body have a purpose and significance in the grand scheme of creation. It teaches us to appreciate the intricate design of our bodies and the wisdom behind every aspect of our existence.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the concept of balance and harmony in creation. Just as the face represents beauty, dignity, and nobility, the derriere represents humility, modesty, and vulnerability. Both aspects are essential for maintaining equilibrium in our lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that we should not neglect or belittle any part of our being, as each has its own role to play.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world. Just as the face will eventually fade away, so too will the derriere. It reminds us that our physical appearance and worldly possessions are temporary and will eventually perish. It directs our focus towards the eternal and everlasting, urging us to prioritize the development of our inner selves and the cultivation of our spiritual essence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The derriere is one of the two faces

carries profound wisdom and lessons for Muslims. It teaches us to appreciate the significance of every aspect of our existence, to maintain balance and harmony in our lives, and to prioritize the eternal over the transient. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding to comprehend the deeper meanings of His words and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).