Hadith #3971

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, "الدِّينُ أشرفُ النَّسَبَيْنِ۔" This can be translated as,

Religion is the more honourable of the two lineages.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (deen) "دين" in this Hadith refers to religion, which encompasses the beliefs, practices, and moral values that guide a person's life. It is the comprehensive system that connects individuals to their Creator and governs their relationship with Him and with fellow human beings. The word (ashraf) "أشرف" means more honorable, noble, or superior. And (al-nasabayn) "النَّسَبَيْنِ" refers to the two lineages.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can 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 not in one's lineage or social status, but in their righteousness and piety. It is the level of devotion to Allah and adherence to His commands that determines a person's true worth. Thus, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) affirms this Quranic principle by stating that religion, which encompasses righteousness and piety, is the more honorable of the two lineages.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and brotherhood among believers, regardless of their lineage or social background. It emphasizes that the bond of faith is stronger and more significant than any other worldly relationship.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that our religious identity and commitment to righteousness should take precedence over any other aspect of our lives. It serves as a reminder that our actions and character are what truly define us in the sight of Allah. Regardless of our lineage, social status, or worldly achievements, it is our devotion to Allah and our adherence to His commands that elevate our status and bring us closer to Him.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to prioritize our religious obligations and strive for excellence in our faith. It reminds us that our religious heritage and the teachings of Islam are a source of honor and pride. By embracing our religion wholeheartedly and seeking knowledge, we can elevate ourselves spiritually and intellectually.

Moreover, this Hadith has profound consequences for our interactions with others. It reminds us to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their lineage or social standing. It encourages us to prioritize the values of justice, compassion, and righteousness in our dealings with others, as these are the true markers of nobility and honor.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that religion is the more honorable of the two lineages. It emphasizes that our true worth lies in our devotion to Allah and our commitment to righteousness. It motivates us to prioritize our religious obligations and seek knowledge, and it reminds us to treat all individuals with respect and dignity. May we all strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and attain the highest levels of honor and nobility in the sight of Allah.