Hadith #9721

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue of magnanimity and highlights two important aspects of it: moderation and fulfilling promises. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (muruwwah) "مُرُوَّةِ" in the Hadith refers to magnanimity, which encompasses qualities such as generosity, nobility, and excellence in character. It is a virtue that reflects the highest moral standards and is highly praised in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4)

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse is a testimony to the magnanimity of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and by extension, the Ahl al-Bayt, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The word (taqtaṣida) "تَقْتَصِدَ" in the Hadith means to be moderate and avoid extravagance. Moderation is a fundamental principle in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:31)

And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse reminds Muslims to strike a balance in their actions and avoid excessiveness in all aspects of life, including wealth, food, and behavior. By practicing moderation, we can maintain a harmonious and balanced lifestyle.

The word (taʿida) "تَعِدَ" in the Hadith refers to making promises, and (tukhlifa) "تُخْلِفَ" means to fulfill those promises. Fulfilling promises is a crucial aspect of magnanimity and integrity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring our commitments and fulfilling our promises, as it is a reflection of our trustworthiness and sincerity.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that magnanimity is not only about being generous and noble, but also about practicing moderation and fulfilling our promises. By being moderate, we avoid excesses and maintain a balanced approach in our actions and dealings. This moderation extends to all aspects of our lives, including our consumption, spending, and behavior. It helps us avoid extravagance and wastefulness, which are condemned in Islam.

Furthermore, fulfilling promises is a reflection of our integrity and trustworthiness. When we make a promise, we should strive to fulfill it, as it strengthens our relationships and builds a sense of trust among Muslims. It is important to remember that breaking promises not only damages our credibility but also harms the trust and harmony within our communities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teachings in this Hadith align with the principles and values emphasized in the Quran. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and fulfilling promises, as they are integral to maintaining a just and balanced society. By embodying these qualities, we can strive towards excellence in our character and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of magnanimity, moderation, and fulfilling promises. It reminds us to embody these virtues in our daily lives, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. By practicing moderation and fulfilling our promises, we can cultivate a society based on justice, trust, and harmony. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and strive towards excellence in our character.