Hadith #11300

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to adopt two important qualities in our lives: being lofty in our endeavors when seeking something, and being honorable in victory when we overpower our enemies. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (himam) "هِمَمِ" in the Hadith refers to our aspirations, ambitions, and goals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be lofty in our endeavors when we seek something. This means that we should have high aspirations and strive for excellence in all that we do. We should not settle for mediocrity or be content with average achievements. Instead, we should aim for greatness and constantly push ourselves to reach our full potential.

The Quran supports this concept of lofty aspirations in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's help and guidance in our endeavors, and asking Him to grant us strength and determination to achieve our goals.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It encourages us to strive for success in both the spiritual and worldly aspects of our lives.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to be honorable in victory when we overpower our enemies. The word (dhafar) "ظَفَرِ" in the Hadith refers to triumph or victory. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that even in moments of victory, we should maintain our integrity and display honorable conduct. This means that we should not gloat or belittle those who have been defeated, but rather show compassion and treat them with dignity.

The Quran teaches us the importance of honorable conduct in victory. In Surah Al-Mumtahina (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, even if they are not believers or have been defeated in a conflict.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), 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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice and fairness, even in the face of animosity or conflict.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for us to strive for excellence in our endeavors and to maintain our integrity in moments of victory. By adopting these qualities, we can lead a purposeful and honorable life, seeking success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody these teachings and be guided by the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).