كانَ لي فيما مَضى أخٌ فِي اللّهِ وكانَ يُعَظِّمُهُ في عَيني صِغَرُ الدُّنيا في عَيْنِه وكانَ خارِجاً مِنْ (عنْ) سُلْطانِ بَطْنِهِ، فلا يَشْتَهي ما لا يَجِدُ ولا يُكْثِرُ إذا وَجَدَ وكانَ أكثَرَ دَهْرِهِ صامِتاً فَإنْ قالَ بَذَّ القائِلينَ ونَقَعَ غَليلَ السَّائلينَ وكانَ ضَعيفاً مُسْتَضْعَفَاً فَإنْ جاءَ الجِدُّ فَهُوَ لَيْثٌ عاد وَصِلٌّ واد لا يُدْلي بِحُجَّة حَتّى يَأتِيَ قاضِياً وَكانَ لايَلُومُ أحَداً عَلى ما (لا) يَجِدُ العُذْرَ في مِثلِهِ حتّى يَسْمَعَ اعْتِذارَهُ وكانَ لا يَشْكُو وَجَعاً إلاّ عِنْدَ بُرْئِهِ وَكانَ يَفْعَلُ ما يَقُولُ ولا يَقُولُ ما لايَفْعَلُوكانَ إذا (إن) غُلِبَ عَلَى الكَلامِ لَمْ يُغْلَبْ عَلَى السُّكُوتِ وكانَ على أنْ يَسمَعَ أحْرَصَ مِنْهُ على أنْ يَتَكَلَّمَ وَكانَ إذا بَدَهَهُ أمرانِ نَظَرَ أيُّهُما أقْرَبُ إلى الهَوى فَخالَفَهُ فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِهذِهِ الخلائِقِ فَالْزَمُوها وتَنافَسُوا فيها فَإنْ لَمْ تَسْتَطيعُوها فَاعْلَمُوا أنَّ أخْذَ القَليلِ خَيرٌ مِنْ تَركِ الكَثيرِ۔
I had, in the past, a brother-in-faith and his view of the world as something insignificant made him great in my eyes. He was above being controlled by the needs of his appetency and thus he never craved for what he could not get nor would he ask for more of what he got. He was silent most of the time but when he spoke, he silenced the other speakers and quenched the thirst [for answers] of questioners. He was [apparently] weak and feeble but at the time of battle he was like the lion of the forest or the serpent of the valley. He would not put forth an argument unless it was decisive. He would not accuse anyone in an excusable matter until he had heard his excuse. He would not mention any suffering except after recovering from it. He would do as he says and not say that which he does not do [himself]. Even when (or if) he could be exceeded in speaking, he could not be excelled in silence. He was more eager to listen than he was to speak. When two things came before him, he would see which of the two was closer to vain desire and would oppose it. You should [all] adopt these qualities, thus acquire them and compete with each other in them. And if you cannot acquire them, you should know that acquiring a little is better than giving up plenty.
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— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Good Character)
Personal Reflection
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities and characteristics of a righteous believer. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its connotation and relevance in light of the Quran.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by describing a companion who was dear to him, emphasizing that this individual's view of the world was insignificant in his eyes. This highlights the importance of having a humble perspective towards worldly possessions and desires. The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further praises his companion for being free from the control of his desires. This is a crucial quality for a believer, as it enables them to resist the temptations of this world. The Quran emphasizes the importance of self-control in Surah Yusuf (12:53), where Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises his fellow prisoners to not follow their desires, as desires lead to evil.
The Imam then mentions his companion's silence, highlighting that although he spoke less, his words carried great weight. This reminds us of the importance of thoughtful speech and the power of silence. The Quran encourages us to speak only that which is good in Surah Al-Isra (17:53) and to avoid engaging in vain talk in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3).
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also praises his companion for his strength and bravery in times of battle. This demonstrates the importance of courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity. The Quran repeatedly mentions the virtues of bravery and perseverance, such as in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46) and Surah Al-Imran (3:146).
Furthermore, the Imam highlights his companion's fairness and justice, as he would not accuse anyone without first hearing their excuse. This reflects the Islamic principle of giving people the benefit of the doubt and upholding justice. The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice in multiple verses, such as in Surah An-Nisa (4:135) and Surah Al-Maidah (5:8).
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions his companion's ability to act upon his words, emphasizing the importance of consistency between one's words and actions. The Quran warns against hypocrisy and insincerity in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:44) and encourages believers to be people of integrity.
Lastly, the Imam advises us to adopt these noble qualities and compete with one another in acquiring them. This encourages us to strive for self-improvement and to emulate the characteristics of righteous individuals. The Quran emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and competition in good deeds in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:48) and Surah Al-Hadid (57:21).
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable insights into the qualities of a righteous believer. It emphasizes the importance of humility, self-control, thoughtful speech, bravery, justice, integrity, and self-improvement. By embodying these qualities, we can strive towards becoming better Muslims and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire and embody these noble qualities.
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