Hadith #6759

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who seeks glory through [anyone] other than Allah is destroyed by [the] glory.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of seeking honor and glory solely from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and warns against seeking it from any other source.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (i'tazza) "اعْتَزَّ" means to seek glory or honor, while (ghayri Allah) "غَيْرِ اللّهِ" refers to anyone other than Allah. The word (ahlakah) "أهْلَكَهُ" means to destroy or ruin, and (al-'izzu) "العِزُّ" refers to glory or honor.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes that true honor and glory come only from Him. In Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:8), Allah says,

But honor belongs to Allah and His Messenger, and to the believers.

This verse clearly establishes that honor is exclusively attributed to Allah, His Messenger (ﷺ), and the believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fath (48:10), Allah states,

Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muhammad] - they are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hands. So whoever breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself. And whoever fulfills that which he has promised Allah - He will give him a great reward.

This verse highlights the importance of directing our allegiance and seeking glory solely from Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against seeking glory through anyone other than Allah. This includes seeking honor through wealth, power, status, or any worldly means. Such pursuits can lead to destruction and ruin, as they divert our focus away from the ultimate source of honor and glory, which is Allah alone.

When individuals seek glory through worldly means, they often become slaves to their desires and lose sight of their true purpose in life. They may engage in unethical practices, compromise their values, and neglect their spiritual growth. This pursuit of false glory can lead to arrogance, pride, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

In contrast, when Muslims seek honor and glory solely from Allah, they align themselves with the divine purpose. They strive to fulfill their obligations, seek knowledge, and engage in righteous deeds. By relying on Allah's guidance and seeking His pleasure, they attain true honor and success in this life and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of seeking glory through anyone other than Allah. He encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions, ensuring that they are solely for the sake of Allah and not driven by the desire for worldly recognition.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to seek honor and glory solely from Allah. It warns against the destructive consequences of seeking glory through any other means. By aligning ourselves with the divine purpose and seeking Allah's pleasure, we can attain true honor and success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to seek His glory alone.