Hadith #10499

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose soul is noble, his affection [and compassion] increases.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the connection between the nobility of one's soul and the growth of their affection and compassion.

Let us delve deeper into the important words of this Hadith. The word (sharufat) "شَرُفَتْ" refers to the nobility or honor of one's soul. It signifies the elevated status of an individual's inner self, which is characterized by righteousness, piety, and moral excellence. This nobility is not merely superficial, but rather a reflection of the person's true essence.

The word (awatifuhu) "عَوَاطِفُهُ" translates to "affection" or "compassion." It encompasses the feelings of tenderness, empathy, and kindness that one experiences towards others. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the nobility of one's soul leads to an increase in their capacity for affection and compassion.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of compassion and affection in the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 3:103)

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers

This verse highlights the power of affection and compassion in fostering unity and brotherhood among believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad, Allah states, (Quran 76:8-9)

Or the one who feeds in spite of his own neediness, to the orphan, the captive, and the needy, saying, 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude'

This verse exemplifies the selflessness and compassion that stems from a noble soul, as it encourages the act of feeding those in need without expecting any reward or gratitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. When one's soul is noble, their affection and compassion naturally increase. This means that a person with a noble soul will be more inclined to show kindness, empathy, and love towards others. They will actively seek opportunities to alleviate the suffering of those around them and strive to create a harmonious and compassionate society.

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are profound. By nurturing a noble soul and increasing our affection and compassion, we not only benefit ourselves but also positively impact the lives of those around us. Our relationships become stronger, our communities become more cohesive, and we contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge, wisdom, and compassion were unparalleled. He demonstrated his affection and compassion through his actions, such as his care for the poor, his forgiveness towards his enemies, and his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of justice. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as an inspiration for all Muslims to strive for the nobility of the soul and the increase of affection and compassion in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the nobility of one's soul is directly linked to the growth of their affection and compassion. By nurturing a noble soul, we increase our capacity to show kindness, empathy, and love towards others. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of compassion and affection in fostering unity, brotherhood, and a just society. Let us strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the epitome of knowledge and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with noble souls and increase our affection and compassion towards others.