Hadith #6763

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

العزيزُ من اعتزّ بالطاعة

which translates to

The honoured is the one who becomes honoured through obedience [to Allah].

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the true essence of honor and dignity, which is attained through sincere obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (azeez) "عزيز" refers to someone who possesses honor, strength, and might. It signifies a person of high status and respect. The word (i'tazza) "اعتز" is derived from the same root as "عزيز" and means to become honored or dignified. Finally, (at-ta'ah) "الطاعة" refers to obedience, specifically obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which serves as the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. 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 honor and nobility are not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. The one who is honored in the sight of Allah is the one who is obedient to His commands and fulfills their duties towards Him. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and honor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through obedience and steadfastness in faith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true honor lies in submitting to the will of Allah and following His commands. When we prioritize obedience to Allah and strive to please Him in all aspects of our lives, we become honored in His sight. This honor is not temporary or superficial; it is a lasting and eternal honor that transcends worldly standards.

By obeying Allah's commands, we align ourselves with the path of righteousness and become deserving of His mercy and blessings. Our actions and choices reflect our commitment to Islam, and this obedience brings us closer to Allah and strengthens our relationship with Him. It also sets an example for others, inspiring them to follow the path of righteousness and seek honor through obedience to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and dignity are attained through sincere obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that worldly status and material possessions do not define our worth; rather, it is our devotion to Allah and our commitment to His commands that truly elevate us in His sight. May we all strive to become honored through obedience to Allah and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.