Hadith #10718

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three important qualities that define the best person. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the meanings and implications of the words used.

The first quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the purification of the soul from lustful desires. The Arabic word used here is (shahawat) "شَهَوَاتِ", which refers to the base desires and inclinations that can lead a person astray. This includes desires for wealth, power, fame, and physical pleasures. The best person is one who recognizes these desires and strives to purify their soul from their influence.

To support this concept, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And certainly, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle, rather they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding and controlling our desires. The best person is one who recognizes the potential harm these desires can cause and takes proactive steps to purify their soul, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The second quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the quelling of anger. The Arabic word used here is (ghadabah) "غَضَبَهُ", which refers to the intense emotion of anger that can cloud one's judgment and lead to harmful actions. The best person is one who has control over their anger and does not let it dictate their behavior.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others. The best person is one who can control their anger, even in difficult situations, and chooses forgiveness over retaliation. By doing so, they not only please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also maintain harmonious relationships with others.

The third and final quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is pleasing one's Lord. The Arabic phrase used here is (ardha rabbahu) "أَرْضَى رَبَّهُ", which signifies the act of seeking the pleasure and satisfaction of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The best person is one who strives to fulfill the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeks to please Him in all aspects of their life.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:207),

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The best person is one whose actions align with their words, and they strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) not only in their public life but also in the depths of their heart.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the qualities that define the best person. By purifying our souls from lustful desires, quelling our anger, and seeking to please our Lord, we can strive towards becoming the best version of ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these qualities and attain His pleasure.