Hadith #6757

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ تَعزَّزَ بِاللّهِ لَمْ يُذِلَّهُ سُلْطانٌ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is given honour by Allah cannot be humiliated by any king.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of seeking honor and strength through a connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ta'azzaza) "تَعَزَّزَ" is derived from the root word (‘azza) "عَزَّ", which means strength, honor, and dignity. It signifies seeking strength and honor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. The word (lam) "لَمْ" in the phrase (lam yudhillahu) "لَمْ يُذِلَّهُ" denotes negation, indicating that the one who seeks honor from Allah will never be humiliated. The term (sultan) "سُلْطانٌ" refers to any ruler, king, or authority figure.

To further comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 40,

Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate protector and supporter of the believers. When one seeks honor and strength from Allah, they are placing their trust in the Divine, who will shield them from humiliation and disgrace.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 5, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

This verse highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grants honor and leadership to the oppressed. It demonstrates that true honor and dignity come from Allah, and no worldly authority can diminish it.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek honor and strength through their connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When individuals rely solely on worldly powers or seek validation from human authorities, they may experience humiliation and degradation. However, those who establish a strong bond with Allah, who seek His pleasure, and who uphold His commandments will be elevated and protected from any form of humiliation.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. It reminds us that true honor lies in seeking His pleasure and following His guidance. When we place our trust in Allah and seek His support, no matter how powerful or influential a worldly authority may be, they cannot diminish our honor or dignity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. He was known for his unwavering faith, deep knowledge, and unyielding commitment to justice. Despite facing numerous challenges and opposition, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained steadfast in his devotion to Allah and his principles. His strength and honor came from his connection with Allah, and no earthly power could ever humiliate him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking honor and strength from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that true honor lies in our relationship with the Divine, and no worldly authority can diminish it. By placing our trust in Allah and following His guidance, we can attain a sense of dignity and protection that surpasses any human recognition or validation. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to seek His honor and protection in all aspects of our lives.