Hadith #4045

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لادينَ لَهُ لا مُرُوَّةَ لَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

He who has no religion has no magnanimity.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "he who" or "whoever." (la deen) "لادينَ" means "no religion" or "without religion." (lahu) "لَهُ" means "for him" or "to him." And finally, (murawwah) "مُرُوَّةَ" means "magnanimity" or "nobility."

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

From this verse, we can understand that true righteousness lies in having faith in Allah, believing in the Day of Judgment, and fulfilling the obligations of Islam. It is not merely a matter of outward rituals or empty gestures. It encompasses a comprehensive way of life that includes acts of worship, charity, fulfilling promises, and showing patience in times of difficulty.

Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that

He who has no religion has no magnanimity,

he is emphasizing the inseparable connection between religion and nobility. Without a strong foundation of faith and adherence to the teachings of Islam, one cannot truly embody the qualities of magnanimity and nobility.

The consequences of having no religion are manifold. Without a moral compass provided by faith, individuals may become driven solely by their desires and ego, leading to selfishness, greed, and a lack of concern for the well-being of others. They may prioritize materialistic pursuits over acts of kindness and charity, neglecting the rights of the less fortunate and vulnerable members of society.

On the other hand, a person who embraces religion and lives according to its principles is motivated by a higher purpose. They understand that their actions have consequences not only in this world but also in the Hereafter. This awareness inspires them to strive for excellence in their character, to be compassionate and just, and to contribute positively to society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of nurturing their faith and embodying the teachings of Islam in their daily lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge, to reflect upon the Quran, and to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true magnanimity and nobility can only be attained through a sincere and steadfast commitment to our religion. It is through our faith and righteous actions that we can elevate ourselves and contribute positively to the world around us. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to uphold our religion with honor and integrity.