Hadith #2379

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

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises Muslims to adorn themselves with noble qualities and virtues. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first virtue mentioned by Imam Ali is "taking up kindness" or

adorn yourselves by taking up kindness

This implies that Muslims should embody and practice kindness in their daily lives. The Quran emphasizes the importance of kindness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

The second virtue mentioned by Imam Ali is "stopping transgression" or "kaff 'anil baghy". This means refraining from any form of oppression, injustice, or transgression. The Quran repeatedly condemns transgression and oppression. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

The third virtue mentioned by Imam Ali is

acting upon the truth

or "amal bil haqq". This highlights the importance of living in accordance with the truth and upholding it in all aspects of our lives. The Quran emphasizes the significance of truthfulness in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:119), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

The fourth virtue mentioned by Imam Ali is

being just and impartial

or "al-insaf mina nafs". This implies treating others fairly and justly, without any bias or prejudice. The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

The fifth virtue mentioned by Imam Ali is

keeping away from corruption

or "ijtinab al-fasad". This means avoiding any form of corruption, whether it be in our personal lives or in society as a whole. The Quran warns against corruption in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.

The final virtue mentioned by Imam Ali is "improving your Hereafter" or "islah al-ma'ad". This emphasizes the importance of striving for righteousness and seeking improvement in our spiritual journey. The Quran encourages us to seek improvement in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims to adorn themselves with noble qualities and virtues. By practicing kindness, stopping transgression, acting upon the truth, being just and impartial, keeping away from corruption, and striving for improvement in the Hereafter, we can lead a righteous and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and seek His pleasure.