Hadith #9221

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The noble-minded one is bright whereas the wicked one is immature.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (karim) "كَرِيم" refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, such as generosity, kindness, and honor. This person is known for their virtuous character and upright conduct. The word (ablaj) "أَبْلَجُ" means bright or radiant, indicating that the noble-minded individual shines with goodness and righteousness.

On the other hand, the word (la'īm) "لَئِيم" refers to someone who is wicked, vile, and lacking in moral values. This person is characterized by their immoral behavior and deceitful nature. The word (mulahwaj) "مُلَهْوَجٌ" describes this individual as immature or unripe, implying that their actions and decisions are driven by impulsive desires rather than wisdom and maturity.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

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

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone, and it is He who bestows noble qualities upon individuals.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the importance of God-consciousness and the fear of Allah in attaining noble qualities. When one fears Allah and strives to please Him, He purifies their heart and grants them the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between those who possess noble qualities and those who are wicked. The noble-minded individual, who is characterized by their virtuous conduct, shines brightly in their actions, words, and interactions with others. Their noble traits are a reflection of their inner purity and righteousness.

Conversely, the wicked individual, who lacks moral values and is driven by impulsive desires, is immature in their behavior and decision-making. Their actions are often guided by selfish motives and short-term gratification, rather than wisdom and foresight.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for nobility in their character and conduct. It reminds us that true success lies in cultivating noble qualities such as generosity, kindness, and honor, while avoiding wickedness and immaturity. By following the path of righteousness, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute positively to society.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his immense knowledge, wisdom, and impeccable character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to shine brightly with noble qualities.