Hadith #10634

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) highlights the importance of inner purity and righteousness in contrast to outward beauty and appearance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the unfortunate state of a person who possesses a beautiful physical appearance but lacks integrity and righteousness within.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (uglier) "أقْبَحَ" emphasizes the repulsiveness and ugliness of a person's inner state. It refers to the moral corruption, hypocrisy, and spiritual sickness that can exist within an individual. On the other hand, the word (beautiful) "جَميلاً" refers to the external beauty and attractiveness that a person may possess.

To comprehend the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of inner righteousness and purity over outward appearances. 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 highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in external attributes such as race, wealth, or physical appearance. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely performing outward acts of worship, but it encompasses a comprehensive set of beliefs and actions that reflect sincerity, compassion, and justice. It underscores the importance of inner purity and integrity in fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and fellow human beings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith urges us to reflect upon the significance of our inner state. A person may possess physical beauty, wealth, or worldly accomplishments, but if their heart is filled with arrogance, greed, jealousy, and other vices, their external beauty becomes meaningless in the sight of Allah. On the contrary, a person who may not possess worldly attractiveness but has a heart adorned with sincerity, humility, kindness, and righteousness is truly beautiful in the eyes of Allah.

The consequences of neglecting one's inner state and focusing solely on external appearances are severe. Such a person may deceive others with their outward charm, but they cannot deceive Allah. In Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:4), Allah warns,

And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

This verse describes the hypocrites who possessed outward charm and eloquence but lacked sincerity and faith in their hearts. Allah exposes their true nature and warns the believers to be cautious of their deception. It serves as a reminder that true beauty lies in the purity of one's intentions, actions, and character, not in superficial appearances.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating inner beauty and righteousness. It encourages us to prioritize the purification of our souls, the development of noble character, and the adherence to the teachings of Islam. We should strive to align our inner selves with the values and principles of the Quran, seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than the admiration of people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to focus on nurturing their inner selves and prioritizing righteousness over outward appearances. It calls upon us to strive for a balanced and harmonious integration of both inner and outer beauty, recognizing that true beauty is found in the purity of one's heart, intentions, and actions. May Allah guide us all to attain inner purity and righteousness, and may He grant us the ability to embody the teachings of the Quran in our lives.