Hadith #1293

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A believer is dignified, honourable, self-reliant, cautious and sorrowful.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is "mu'min," which means a believer. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who have faith in Him and His Messenger, and who strive to fulfill their obligations towards Him and their fellow human beings. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

The next word is "izz," which means dignified or honorable. In the Quran, Allah emphasizes the honor and dignity of the believers. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:54), Allah says,

And those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will surely admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. For them therein are purified spouses, and We will admit them into deepening shade.

The word "karim" means generous or noble. Allah describes the believers as being generous and noble-hearted. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

The word "ma'mun" means self-reliant or trustworthy. In the Quran, Allah encourages the believers to rely on Him and trust in His provisions. In Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah says,

And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

The word "hadir" means cautious or vigilant. In the Quran, Allah advises the believers to be cautious and mindful of their actions. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

The word "mahzun" means sorrowful or concerned. In the Quran, Allah acknowledges that believers may experience sorrow and concern in their lives. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. 'Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.'

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities of a true believer. A believer is dignified and honorable, upholding the principles of righteousness and justice. They are self-reliant, trusting in Allah's provisions and relying on Him for guidance and support. They are cautious and vigilant, mindful of their actions and their consequences. And they may experience sorrow and concern, but they turn to Allah for solace and seek His forgiveness and mercy.

These qualities are exemplified in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge and wisdom were renowned, and he displayed immense dignity and honor in his actions and decisions. He was self-reliant, never seeking worldly gains or relying on others for his sustenance. He was cautious and vigilant, always considering the consequences of his actions and striving to uphold justice. And he experienced great sorrow and concern, especially during times of strife and conflict, but he remained steadfast in his faith and sought solace in Allah.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities of a believer. We should uphold our dignity and honor, be self-reliant and trust in Allah's provisions, be cautious and vigilant in our actions, and seek solace and forgiveness from Allah in times of sorrow and concern. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith and become true believers, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.