Hadith #4900

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, "إنْ تَوَقَّرْتَ أُكْرِمْتَ۔" This can be translated into English as,

If you act with solemnity, you will be honored.

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

The word (tawaqqarta) "تَوَقَّرْتَ" is derived from the root word (waqqara) "وَقَّرَ", which means to honor, respect, or venerate. It signifies the act of conducting oneself with dignity, reverence, and seriousness. It encompasses the idea of showing deep respect and regard for oneself, others, and the divine.

To understand the significance of this concept, we can turn to the Quran. 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 highlights that true nobility and honor lie not in one's lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but in righteousness and piety. By acting with solemnity, we elevate ourselves spiritually and morally, and this is what brings true honor and respect in the sight of Allah.

The second part of the Hadith states, (ukrimta) "أُكْرِمْتَ", which means

you will be honored.

This implies that when we conduct ourselves with dignity and reverence, we will be granted honor and respect by others. This honor may manifest in various forms, such as being respected by our peers, being entrusted with responsibilities, or being recognized for our virtues and contributions.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse emphasizes that Allah has bestowed honor upon the entire human race. It is a divine gift that encompasses both material and spiritual blessings. By acting with solemnity, we align ourselves with the divine purpose and fulfill our role as honorable beings.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uttered this wise utterance, he was reminding us of the importance of conducting ourselves with reverence and dignity. By doing so, we not only honor ourselves but also honor the divine creation and the purpose for which we have been created.

Acting with solemnity means being mindful of our actions, words, and intentions. It means treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. It means fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities with sincerity and integrity. It means striving for excellence in all aspects of our lives, seeking knowledge, and constantly improving ourselves.

When we embody these qualities, we inspire others to do the same. Our actions become a source of motivation and guidance for those around us. We create a positive and harmonious environment where honor and respect are valued and cherished.

Conversely, if we neglect the importance of acting with solemnity, we risk dishonoring ourselves and others. Our actions may lead to discord, injustice, and the erosion of moral values. We may lose the respect and trust of those around us, and our own self-esteem may suffer.

Therefore, let us reflect upon the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to embody the values of solemnity, honor, and respect in our daily lives. By doing so, we will not only attain honor in the sight of Allah but also inspire others to follow the path of righteousness. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to act with solemnity and be honored in this world and the Hereafter.