مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ قَلَّ شِقاقُهُ وخِلافُهُ۔
One whose soul is honourable, his dissension and disagreement [with the people] is reduced.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Soul And Holding It To Account)
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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
One whose soul is honourable, his dissension and disagreement [with the people] is reduced.
This Hadith highlights the importance of having an honorable and noble soul, as it leads to a decrease in conflicts and disagreements with others.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing the key words and their implications. The word (karumat) "كَرُمَتْ" refers to the honor and nobility of one's soul. It signifies the presence of virtuous qualities such as righteousness, integrity, and kindness. When an individual possesses such an honorable soul, their actions and interactions with others are guided by noble intentions and principles.
The word (shiqaquhu) "شِقَاقُهُ" translates to dissension or discord. It represents conflicts, disagreements, and disputes that arise between individuals. This can occur due to differences in opinions, beliefs, or interests. However, the Hadith suggests that when one's soul is honorable, the occurrence of dissension and disagreement is reduced. This implies that a person with an honorable soul is more inclined towards unity, harmony, and cooperation.
To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of unity and the avoidance of discord in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah says,
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.
This verse highlights the necessity of unity among Muslims and warns against division and fragmentation.
Additionally, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah advises the believers,
And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.
This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of disputes, as they weaken the community and diminish its strength.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. When an individual possesses an honorable soul, they are less likely to engage in unnecessary conflicts and disagreements. Their focus shifts towards fostering unity, cooperation, and understanding among the Muslim community.
An honorable soul manifests itself in various aspects of life. For example, an individual with an honorable soul will prioritize seeking knowledge and understanding, rather than engaging in arguments and debates for the sake of proving oneself right. They will approach discussions with humility and respect for differing opinions, seeking common ground and solutions that benefit all parties involved.
Furthermore, an honorable soul will motivate individuals to prioritize the greater good over personal interests. They will strive to build bridges of understanding and empathy, rather than erecting walls of division and animosity. This approach not only strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community but also serves as a positive example for others.
Conversely, when individuals lack an honorable soul, they are more prone to engage in dissension and disagreement. Their ego and personal desires overshadow the principles of unity and cooperation. This can lead to divisions within the community, weakening its collective strength and hindering its progress.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of cultivating an honorable soul. By embodying virtuous qualities and prioritizing unity and cooperation, individuals can reduce conflicts and disagreements within the Muslim community. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards personal growth and to contribute positively to the collective well-being of the ummah. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with honorable souls and guide us towards unity and harmony.
Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device. |