Hadith #4629

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,

Adornment is in righteous probity, not in elegant clothing.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and moral excellence over external appearances. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in the light of the Quran.

The word (adornment) "زِّينَةُ" refers to anything that enhances or beautifies a person or their surroundings. It encompasses physical appearance, clothing, and accessories, as well as inner qualities such as character, knowledge, and spirituality. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that true adornment lies in (righteous probity) "حُسْنِ الصَّوابِ" rather than (elegant clothing) "حُسْنِ الثيابِ".

To understand the significance of this Hadith, 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 emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness, not in external factors such as lineage, wealth, or appearance. It is the purity of one's heart, the sincerity of their intentions, and the righteousness of their actions that truly adorn a person in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us that our focus should be on seeking the rewards of the Hereafter, rather than being solely preoccupied with worldly possessions and external appearances. Adorning ourselves with righteousness means striving for excellence in our character, actions, and relationships, while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true beauty lies in embodying the values and principles of Islam. It is the beauty of a kind heart, a gentle demeanor, and a compassionate soul that truly adorns a person. Elegant clothing may enhance our physical appearance, but it is the righteousness within us that truly shines and leaves a lasting impact on others.

When we prioritize inner beauty over external appearances, we cultivate a society that values morality, justice, and compassion. Our actions become a reflection of our faith, and we become beacons of light for others to follow. This Hadith encourages us to focus on self-improvement, to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives, and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true adornment lies in righteous probity, not in elegant clothing. It calls upon us to prioritize inner beauty, moral excellence, and the values of Islam over external appearances. By embodying righteousness, we not only adorn ourselves in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also inspire others to do the same. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to adorn ourselves with righteousness and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.