Hadith #6764

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا طَلَبْتَ العِزَّ فَاطْلُبْهُ بِالطّاعَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

When you seek glory, then seek it through obedience [to Allah].

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking honor and dignity through obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (izzah) "عِزَّ" refers to honor, glory, or dignity. It is a state of being respected and revered. (talabta) "طَلَبْتَ" means to seek or strive for. (at-ta'ah) "الطّاعَةِ" refers to obedience, specifically obedience to the commands of Allah.

To understand the significance of seeking glory through obedience, 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 highlights that true honor and nobility lie in righteousness and piety. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements. Therefore, seeking glory through obedience to Allah's commands is the path to true honor and dignity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking strength and support from Allah in all our endeavors. By seeking glory through obedience, we align ourselves with the will of Allah and gain His support and guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that seeking glory through disobedience, arrogance, or worldly means is futile and temporary. Such pursuits may bring temporary fame or power, but they lack the true essence of honor and dignity. On the other hand, seeking glory through obedience to Allah's commands leads to everlasting honor and success in this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself embodied this principle through his unwavering commitment to righteousness and his deep knowledge of Islam. His obedience to Allah and his dedication to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) made him a shining example of true honor and dignity.

As Muslims, we should reflect on this Hadith and strive to seek glory through obedience to Allah. We should prioritize fulfilling our religious obligations, following the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet (ﷺ), and embodying the values of righteousness, justice, and compassion. By doing so, we will attain true honor and dignity in the sight of Allah and inspire others to do the same.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to seek glory through obedience, and may He bless us with true honor and dignity in this life and the Hereafter.