Hadith #3157

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of improving one's writing skills. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to open the sharpened nib of our pen, thicken its point, and cut the edge on the right side. This guidance aims to enhance the quality of our handwriting.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (bariyah) "برية" refers to the nib of the pen, which is the pointed part that comes into contact with the paper. The word (shahmat) "شحمة" means to thicken or make something fat. In this context, it signifies thickening the point of the pen to prevent it from breaking easily. The word (ayman) "أيمن" refers to the right side, and (qittah) "قطة" means to cut or trim. Therefore, the instruction to cut the edge on the right side implies shaping the pen's tip to improve the quality of one's handwriting.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4),

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was known for his excellent conduct and manners. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the embodiment of the Prophet's teachings, also possessed remarkable qualities, including his vast knowledge and wisdom.

In Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further states,

And indeed, you are on an exalted standard of character.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of our lives, including our skills and abilities. By improving our handwriting, we are adhering to the teachings of the Quran and following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

The act of improving our handwriting may seem insignificant, but it reflects our dedication to excellence and attention to detail. It demonstrates our commitment to presenting our work in the best possible manner, whether it is in the form of written communication, artistic expression, or any other endeavor. By taking the time to sharpen the nib of our pen, thicken its point, and cut the edge on the right side, we are displaying our respect for the written word and the importance of clear and legible communication.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the value of patience and perseverance. Sharpening the nib of a pen requires time and effort. It is not a task that can be rushed or done haphazardly. Similarly, improving our handwriting requires practice and dedication. We must be willing to invest the necessary time and energy to develop this skill. By doing so, we cultivate patience and discipline within ourselves, qualities that are highly regarded in Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to improve our handwriting by opening the sharpened nib of our pen, thickening its point, and cutting the edge on the right side. This guidance aligns with the Quranic teachings of striving for excellence and upholding high moral standards. By taking the time to enhance our handwriting, we demonstrate our commitment to clear communication, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to continuously improve ourselves and fulfill our responsibilities with excellence.