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وأثنى عَليه السّلامُ عَلى رَجُل فَقالَ:ذاكَ يَنْفَعُ سِلْمُهُ، ولا يُخافُ ظُلْمُهُ، إذا قالَ فَعَلَ، وإذا وُلِّيَ عَدَلَ۔

He (‘a) praised a man saying: This is one whose peacefulness benefits and injustice is not feared from him. When he says, he does and when he put in charge, he is just.

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He (‘a) praised a man saying: This is one whose peacefulness benefits...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Servants)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) praises a man and highlights his exceptional qualities. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The Imam begins by praising the man, stating that his peacefulness benefits others. This implies that the man possesses a calm and tranquil nature, which brings about harmony and tranquility in his interactions with others. Such a person is a source of peace and serenity for those around him, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and contentment.

The Imam further states that injustice is not feared from this man. This indicates that the man is just and fair in his dealings with others. He upholds the principles of justice and does not oppress or wrong anyone. His actions are guided by righteousness and equity, ensuring that he treats others with fairness and equality.

To understand the significance of these qualities, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of peacefulness and justice in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208), Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of embracing peace and avoiding conflict, which aligns with the peaceful nature praised in the hadith.

Similarly, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.

This verse emphasizes the obligation to uphold justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. The man praised in the hadith embodies this principle of justice, ensuring that he treats everyone fairly and impartially.

The Imam further states that when this man says something, he follows through with action. This implies that the man is true to his word and fulfills his promises. His words hold weight and are not mere empty rhetoric. This quality reflects sincerity, integrity, and reliability in his character. Such a person is trustworthy and can be relied upon to fulfill his commitments.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises. In Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah says,

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments and fulfilling our promises. The man praised in the hadith exemplifies this principle, demonstrating his integrity and trustworthiness.

Lastly, the Imam states that when this man is entrusted with a position of authority, he acts with justice. This highlights the man's ability to exercise leadership and responsibility in a just and fair manner. He does not abuse his power or exploit his position for personal gain. Instead, he upholds the principles of justice and ensures that everyone is treated equitably.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of just leadership. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah says,

We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

This verse highlights the role of leaders in establishing justice and maintaining balance in society. The man praised in the hadith embodies this principle, demonstrating his ability to lead with justice and fairness.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities of a man who brings about peace, upholds justice, fulfills his promises, and acts with fairness when entrusted with authority. These qualities are in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of peacefulness, justice, integrity, and just leadership. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our own lives and interactions with others, following the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to be sources of peace and justice in the world.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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