Hadith #11303

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ شَرُفَتْ هِمَّتُهُ عَظُمَتْ قيمَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as:

One whose endeavour is honourable, his value becomes great.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings. The word (sharufat) "شَرُفَتْ" refers to the elevation or nobility of one's aspirations and ambitions. It signifies the determination and drive that a person possesses to achieve something meaningful and virtuous. The word (himmatuhu) "هِمَّتُهُ" refers to one's resolve, determination, and the intensity of their efforts. It represents the inner motivation and willpower that propels a person towards their goals. Finally, the word (azhumat) "عَظُمَتْ" denotes greatness, significance, and importance. It signifies the value and worth that a person attains through their noble endeavors.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of having a strong determination and steadfastness in our actions. When our intentions are pure and our efforts are driven by a desire to please Allah, our value and significance increase in His sight.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56):

Surely you cannot guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He pleases, and He knows best the followers of the right way.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance and success come from Allah alone. When we strive with noble intentions and sincere efforts, seeking Allah's pleasure, He elevates our worth and guides us towards the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is highlighting the importance of having honorable aspirations and ambitions. When a person's goals are noble and aligned with the teachings of Islam, their value and significance increase not only in the eyes of Allah but also in the eyes of others.

For example, if someone aspires to seek knowledge for the sake of benefiting humanity and spreading goodness, their efforts will be rewarded by Allah, and their value as a knowledgeable individual will be recognized by society. Similarly, if someone strives to establish justice and fight against oppression, their endeavors will be esteemed and respected by both Allah and the people.

Conversely, if a person's aspirations are driven by selfish motives, seeking personal gain or worldly recognition, their value diminishes in the sight of Allah and the people. The Quran warns against such intentions in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of having honorable aspirations and ambitions. When our endeavors are driven by a sincere desire to please Allah and benefit humanity, our value and significance increase in the sight of Allah and the people. Conversely, if our intentions are driven by selfish motives, our worth diminishes. May Allah guide us to have noble aspirations and enable us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors.