Hadith #6391

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When Allah loves a servant, He bestows him with a good heart and an upright character.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the immense blessings and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon those whom He loves.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (razaqahu) "رَزَقَهُ" means "bestows" or "provides." It signifies that when Allah loves a servant, He grants them a special gift. This gift is not material wealth or worldly possessions, but rather something far more valuable and precious - a (qalban saliman) "قَلْبًا سَلِيمًا", which translates to a "good heart" or a "sound heart." This refers to a heart that is pure, free from any spiritual diseases, and filled with faith, sincerity, and love for Allah.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also bestows upon the beloved servant an (khulqan qawiman) "خُلْقًا قَوِيمًا", which means an "upright character" or a "noble disposition." This refers to the moral and ethical qualities that shape a person's behavior and interactions with others. It encompasses traits such as honesty, kindness, patience, humility, and justice.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 28:5)

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors

This verse highlights how Allah bestows His love and favor upon those who are oppressed, and grants them leadership and inheritance. This is a manifestation of Allah's love, as He blesses them with the qualities of a good heart and an upright character, enabling them to lead with justice and righteousness.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, where Allah says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety. When Allah loves a servant, He elevates their status by endowing them with a good heart and an upright character, making them among the most noble in His sight.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that the true measure of success and honor lies in the state of our hearts and the quality of our character. Material possessions and worldly achievements hold no value in the sight of Allah if they are not accompanied by a pure heart and noble character.

Secondly, this Hadith highlights the importance of seeking Allah's love and approval above all else. We should strive to purify our hearts and rectify our character, knowing that it is through these qualities that we can attain Allah's love and blessings.

Thirdly, this Hadith serves as a motivation for self-improvement. It encourages us to reflect upon our own hearts and character, identifying areas that require improvement and working towards developing a sound heart and an upright character.

Lastly, this Hadith reminds us of the immense mercy and grace of Allah. It is a reminder that Allah's love is not limited to a select few, but rather it is attainable for every sincere servant who strives to please Him. It is a source of hope and encouragement for Muslims, inspiring us to seek Allah's love and strive for excellence in our hearts and character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when Allah loves a servant, He blesses them with a good heart and an upright character. This Hadith is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of righteousness and piety. It serves as a reminder of the true measure of success and honor, and motivates us to seek Allah's love and strive for self-improvement. May Allah grant us all the blessing of a good heart and an upright character, and may He shower His love upon us.