Hadith #5166

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 جارَ شَريفٌ۔" which translates to

The honourable one never oppresses [others].

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble character and impeccable morals of a person who possesses true honor and dignity.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (jaar) "جار" refers to someone who oppresses or wrongs others. It encompasses any form of injustice, whether it be physical, emotional, or financial. On the other hand, the word (shareef) "شَريفٌ" denotes someone who is honorable, noble, and possesses a high moral character.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not determined by one's lineage, wealth, or social status. The honorable one, as mentioned in the Hadith, is the one who upholds justice, treats others with kindness and respect, and refrains from oppressing anyone, regardless of their background.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse highlights the inherent honor bestowed upon every human being by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that we are all equal in the eyes of our Creator, and it is our actions and character that determine our true honor.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true honor lies in treating others with justice and fairness. It is a call to reject oppression in all its forms and to strive for righteousness and moral excellence. The honorable one is not the one who holds power and authority, but rather the one who uses that power to uplift others and establish justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and commitment to justice earned him the title of (Commander of the Faithful) "Amir al-Mu'minin". He was known for his equitable judgments, his compassion towards the weak, and his refusal to compromise on principles of justice, even in the face of adversity.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. When individuals strive to be honorable and refrain from oppressing others, they contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. This Hadith encourages Muslims to embody the values of justice, compassion, and respect for the rights of others, which are essential for fostering unity and social cohesion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. It urges us to evaluate our own actions and ensure that we are not oppressing or causing harm to others. It encourages us to be mindful of our words, our treatment of others, and our responsibilities as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "ما جارَ شَريفٌ۔" serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to embody true honor and dignity by refraining from oppressing others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of justice, righteousness, and compassion in our interactions with others. May we all strive to be honorable individuals who contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.