Hadith #1507

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,

مَنْ قَرُبَ بِرُّهُ بَعُدَ صيتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose righteousness is close [at hand], his reputation goes far [and wide].

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the connection between one's inner righteousness and their outward reputation.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (qaruba) "قَرُبَ" means "closeness" or "proximity," indicating the nearness of one's righteousness. It signifies the importance of cultivating and nurturing our inner virtues and piety. The word (birruhu) "بِرُّهُ" refers to righteousness, goodness, and acts of kindness. It encompasses all aspects of moral and ethical conduct that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, the phrase (ba'uda saituhu) "بَعُدَ صيتُهُ" means that the reputation or fame of a person whose righteousness is close at hand will spread far and wide. This implies that when one's inner righteousness is strong and consistent, it naturally manifests in their actions and interactions with others. Consequently, their reputation and influence will extend beyond their immediate circle, impacting a larger community.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 lies in righteousness, not in external factors such as lineage or social status. It reinforces the idea that one's inner character and piety are the determining factors of their worth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When individuals strive to be righteous and virtuous, their reputation and influence naturally extend to others, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that it is ultimately Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who guides people towards righteousness. While we may strive to be righteous and influence others positively, it is Allah's guidance that determines the true impact of our efforts. Therefore, when our righteousness is close at hand, we become a means through which Allah's guidance reaches others, and our reputation as people of virtue and piety spreads far and wide.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their inner righteousness and strive for excellence in their character and conduct. When we focus on developing our inner selves, embodying the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), our reputation will naturally reflect our commitment to righteousness. Our actions and interactions will have a positive impact on those around us, and our influence will extend beyond our immediate circles.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the inseparable connection between our inner righteousness and our outward reputation. By nurturing our inner virtues and striving for excellence in our character, we become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate our inner righteousness and spread goodness in the world, so that our reputation may reach far and wide.