Hadith #445

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (dhi ubbahah) "ذي اُبَّهَة", which can be translated as "possessing grandeur" or

having an appearance of greatness.

This phrase refers to someone who may outwardly appear to be important, influential, or powerful. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that this apparent grandeur does not necessarily reflect the true worth or character of an individual.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against arrogance and pride. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 reminds us that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in external appearances or worldly achievements. It is the inner qualities of a person, such as their faith, character, and moral conduct, that truly define their worth in the eyes of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the story of Qarun who possessed immense wealth and power, but his arrogance and pride led to his downfall. Despite his apparent grandeur, he was ultimately humiliated and condemned by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true greatness lies in humility, sincerity, and righteousness. It is not determined by wealth, social status, or worldly achievements. Muslims should strive to embody the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, who were known for their humility, compassion, and devotion to Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not be deceived by outward appearances or be swayed by the allure of worldly grandeur. Instead, they should focus on developing their inner selves, purifying their hearts, and seeking the pleasure of Allah. True greatness is attained through acts of worship, kindness towards others, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true worth and nobility are not determined by external appearances or worldly achievements. Rather, it is the inner qualities of a person, such as their faith, character, and moral conduct, that truly define their worth in the sight of Allah. Muslims should strive to embody humility, sincerity, and righteousness, and not be deceived by the apparent grandeur of others. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to recognize true greatness.