Hadith #3305

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما أقْبَحَ شِيَمَ اللِّئامِ، وأحسَنَ سَجايَا الكِرامِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

How detestable are the traits of the vile and how good are the qualities of the honourable!

Let us delve into the words of this profound Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (shiyam) "شِيَمَ" refers to the traits or characteristics of a person. It encompasses their behavior, actions, and moral qualities. The word (li'ām) "لِّئَامِ" refers to the vile or wicked individuals who possess reprehensible traits.

On the other hand, the word (sajāyā) "سَجَايَا" refers to the qualities or attributes of a person. It signifies their noble characteristics, virtuous actions, and honorable conduct. The word (kiram) "كِرَامِ" refers to the honorable or noble individuals who possess praiseworthy qualities.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96-97),

Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil. We are most knowing of what they describe. And say, 'My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils, And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me.'

These verses emphasize the importance of responding to evil with goodness. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement echoes this sentiment, highlighting the detestable nature of the traits exhibited by the wicked and the superiority of the qualities displayed by the honorable.

In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, saying,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and tranquility. It encourages believers to embody the qualities of the honorable, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us in this Hadith.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound wisdom and guidance it offers. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in their character and conduct. It encourages us to distance ourselves from the traits of the vile and instead embrace the qualities of the honorable.

By embodying the noble qualities highlighted in this Hadith, we can contribute positively to society, foster harmony in our interactions, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through our actions and behavior that we can truly exemplify the teachings of Islam and the guidance of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to emulate the qualities of the honorable and protect us from the traits of the vile. May He guide us to be individuals who respond to evil with goodness and strive to embody the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny.