Hadith #2801

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities that make a person truly virtuous and deserving of being considered the best among people. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stating,

Indeed the best of people is one who is forbearing even when he is strong [enough to exact revenge].

The word used here for forbearance is "hilm," which refers to the ability to control one's anger and exercise patience, especially in situations where one has the power and capability to seek revenge. This quality is highly praised in Islam, as it promotes peace, harmony, and the preservation of justice.

The Quran supports this concept of forbearance in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others, even in difficult circumstances. It is through such restraint that a person demonstrates true strength of character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then continues,

is not attached to the pleasures of this world even though he is well-off.

Here, the word used for attachment is "zuhd," which refers to detachment from worldly possessions and desires. It is the ability to prioritize the eternal rewards of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. This quality is essential for spiritual growth and attaining true contentment.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the concept of zuhd in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 fleeting, while the good deeds we perform for the sake of Allah are everlasting. True success lies in prioritizing the eternal over the temporary.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

and is just even though he has power.

The word used here for justice is "insaf," which refers to fairness, equity, and upholding the rights of others. It is the ability to use power and authority in a just and balanced manner, without any bias or oppression. This quality is crucial for maintaining social harmony and ensuring the well-being of society as a whole.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse reminds us that justice should always prevail, regardless of personal biases or societal pressures. It is through justice that a society thrives and individuals are treated with dignity and fairness.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that make a person truly virtuous and deserving of being considered the best among people. It emphasizes the importance of forbearance, detachment from worldly desires, and the practice of justice. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive to attain true excellence and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate these virtues and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).