Hadith #3040

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:

لاحَمِيَّةَ لِمَنْ لا أنَفَةَ لَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

There is no vehemence in one who has no sense of honour.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (lahamiyyah) "لاحَمِيَّةَ" refers to vehemence or intensity of emotions. It signifies a strong and passionate response to a situation. The word (la) "لا" negates this quality, indicating the absence of vehemence. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "one who" or "someone who." The phrase (la anfata lahu) "لا أنَفَةَ لَهُ" can be translated as

has no sense of honour.

The word (anfata) "أنَفَةَ" refers to honor, dignity, or self-respect.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes that the true measure of nobility and honor lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly possessions. Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of having a sense of honor and dignity. It reminds us that true vehemence and passion can only be found in individuals who possess a strong sense of honor.

When one has a sense of honor, they are motivated to stand up for justice, defend the oppressed, and uphold the values of Islam. They are not swayed by worldly temptations or personal gain. Their actions are driven by a deep-rooted commitment to righteousness and a desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Conversely, those who lack a sense of honor are easily swayed by their desires and are more likely to compromise their principles. They may lack the courage to speak out against injustice or may prioritize their own interests over the greater good. Such individuals are devoid of true vehemence and passion because their actions are not rooted in a strong moral compass.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that our actions should be guided by a sense of honor and dignity. We should strive to be individuals who possess a deep-rooted commitment to righteousness and justice, just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions did.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true vehemence and passion can only be found in individuals who possess a strong sense of honor. This sense of honor is rooted in righteousness, piety, and a commitment to upholding the values of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate a sense of honor and dignity in our lives and may He bless us with the strength to stand up for justice and righteousness.