Hadith #10700

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities of a truly virtuous individual. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the best person is one whose soul is pure and who remains indifferent towards the allurements of this world, even if they possess great wealth.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tanzahat) "تَنَزَّهَتْ" refers to purifying or cleansing oneself. It signifies the act of freeing one's soul from impurities and negative traits. The word (zahada) "زَهَدَ" means to be indifferent or detached from worldly possessions and desires. It implies a state of contentment and detachment from material wealth, despite having it.

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 lies in righteousness and piety. It is not determined by wealth, status, or lineage. The best person, as mentioned in the Hadith, is the one who purifies their soul and remains detached from worldly possessions, as these are not the true measures of success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that material possessions and worldly attachments are temporary and fleeting. They are merely adornments of this life, while the deeds that endure and have lasting value are the ones that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The best person, as described in the Hadith, recognizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and focuses on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the purification of their souls and to remain detached from the materialistic pursuits of this world. It encourages us to seek contentment in the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than becoming enslaved to the pursuit of wealth and material possessions.

By embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith, Muslims can attain a state of inner peace and tranquility. They can focus on developing their spirituality, performing acts of kindness and charity, and striving for righteousness. This mindset allows individuals to use their wealth and resources for the betterment of society and the upliftment of their fellow human beings, rather than being consumed by greed and materialism.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true excellence lies in the purification of the soul and detachment from worldly possessions. It reminds us that the pursuit of material wealth should not overshadow our pursuit of righteousness and piety. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive to become the best versions of themselves and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our souls and remain detached from the allurements of this world.