Hadith #10943

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 four important qualities that are pleasing to him. Let us delve into the meanings of these qualities and explore their significance in the light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned is "righteous piety" or "hasan al-wara" in Arabic. This term refers to a person's commitment to fulfilling their religious obligations and abstaining from anything that is prohibited or doubtful. It encompasses both external acts of worship and internal purification of the soul. The Quran emphasizes the importance of piety in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness.

The second quality mentioned is being "free from avarice" or "mutanazzihan 'ani at-tama'". Avarice refers to an excessive desire for wealth or material possessions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) values individuals who are not driven by greed and are content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided them. The Quran repeatedly warns against the dangers of greed and materialism, such as in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly created man to be in hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?

The third quality mentioned is being "abundant in kindness" or "kathir al-ihsan". This refers to showing goodness, compassion, and benevolence towards others. It encompasses acts of charity, helping those in need, and treating others with respect and dignity. The Quran encourages believers to be kind and compassionate, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

The fourth and final quality mentioned is

lacking in [making others feel a sense of] obligation

or "qalil al-imtinan". This refers to not burdening others with favors or expecting gratitude for one's acts of kindness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) values individuals who do good without seeking anything in return, purely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran reminds us of the importance of sincerity in our actions, as mentioned in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:2-3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights these qualities because they reflect the true essence of a believer. A person who possesses righteous piety, is free from avarice, abundant in kindness, and lacking in making others feel a sense of obligation, is someone who embodies the teachings of Islam and strives to attain nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By practicing these qualities, Muslims can create a harmonious and compassionate society, where individuals prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and treat others with kindness and generosity. It is through embodying these qualities that we can fulfill our purpose as Muslims and contribute positively to the world around us.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and may He bless us with the guidance to follow the path of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. Ameen.