Hadith #9701

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

Magnanimity is being free from vulgarity and disloyalty.

The word used for magnanimity in Arabic is (المروءة) "al-murū'ah", which refers to a noble and generous character. It encompasses qualities such as honor, integrity, and righteousness. On the other hand, the words (الخناء) "al-khanā" and (الغدر) "al-ghadr" refer to vulgarity and disloyalty, respectively.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us 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 the importance of righteousness and noble character in the sight of Allah. It teaches us that true magnanimity lies in embodying the qualities of righteousness, honesty, and loyalty. A person who is truly magnanimous is one who upholds these values in their interactions with others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and integrity in our dealings with others, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that true magnanimity lies in upholding justice and truth, even in difficult circumstances.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes in this Hadith the significance of being free from vulgarity and disloyalty. He teaches us that true magnanimity is not merely about displaying outward acts of generosity, but it is about embodying noble character traits such as honesty, loyalty, and integrity.

When a person is free from vulgarity, they refrain from engaging in coarse language, indecent behavior, or any form of disrespect towards others. They choose their words carefully, speak with kindness and respect, and maintain a dignified demeanor in all situations.

Likewise, being free from disloyalty means remaining steadfast in our commitments and obligations towards others. It means being trustworthy, reliable, and faithful in our relationships, whether they are personal, professional, or social. A person who is truly magnanimous does not betray the trust of others or engage in deceitful behavior.

The consequences of embodying this magnanimity are far-reaching. It fosters a sense of trust and respect among individuals, strengthens relationships, and promotes harmony within society. It allows for the establishment of a just and righteous community, where people can rely on one another and work together towards the betterment of society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate the qualities of magnanimity in our own lives. We should aim to be free from vulgarity and disloyalty, and instead, embody righteousness, honesty, and integrity. By doing so, we not only fulfill the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but also align ourselves with the guidance of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody true magnanimity and to uphold noble character traits in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.