Hadith #339

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights several important virtues and qualities that hold great significance in Islam. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore the deeper meanings behind each aspect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

There is no distinction higher than Islam.

Here, the term "Islam" refers to the submission and surrender to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses the belief in the oneness of Allah, the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the final messenger, and the adherence to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Islam is the ultimate honor and privilege bestowed upon a person, as it grants them guidance, purpose, and a path to salvation.

To support this, we find in the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:19),

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.

This verse emphasizes that Islam is the only religion accepted by Allah, and it holds the highest distinction in His sight.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

No honor more honorable than fear of Allah.

The term "fear of Allah" refers to a deep sense of reverence, awe, and consciousness of Allah's presence. It is the recognition that Allah is the All-Knowing, All-Seeing, and All-Hearing, and that He is aware of our every action and intention. The fear of Allah motivates us to avoid sins, fulfill our obligations, and strive for righteousness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

This verse highlights that true honor lies in righteousness and piety, which can only be attained through the fear of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

No asylum better than self-restraint.

The term "self-restraint" refers to the ability to control one's desires, impulses, and emotions. It is the practice of moderation and avoiding excess in all aspects of life. Self-restraint allows us to maintain balance, avoid harmful actions, and preserve our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201),

But among them is he who wrongs himself, and among them is he who is moderate, and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds by permission of Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of self-restraint and moderation, as it leads to righteousness and excellence in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

No intercessor more effective than repentance.

The term "repentance" refers to seeking forgiveness from Allah for our sins, sincerely regretting our wrongdoings, and resolving to abstain from them in the future. Repentance is a means of seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness, and it serves as a powerful intercessor on the Day of Judgment.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:53),

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the effectiveness of repentance as a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

No treasure more precious than contentment.

The term "contentment" refers to being satisfied and grateful with what Allah has provided, regardless of the quantity or quality. It is the opposite of greed and covetousness, and it brings inner peace and tranquility.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the importance of gratitude and contentment, as they are qualities that please Allah and bring about blessings in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

No wealth is a bigger remover of destitution than being satisfied with mere sustenance.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue of being content with what is sufficient for our basic needs. This mindset removes the constant desire for more wealth and possessions, and it frees us from the burden of materialistic pursuits.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and relying on Him for our needs, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of worldly wealth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating,

Greed, vanity, and jealousy are incentives to falling into sins, and evil-doing is the collection of all bad habits.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the negative traits of greed, vanity, and jealousy, as they lead to sinful behavior and the accumulation of bad habits. These vices blind us to the consequences of our actions and hinder our spiritual growth.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, backbiting, and harmful behavior, as they are sinful and detrimental to the unity and well-being of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the virtues and qualities that hold great significance in Islam. It emphasizes the importance of Islam itself, the fear of Allah, self-restraint, repentance, contentment, and the avoidance of negative traits. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive for righteousness, attain inner peace, and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to embody these virtues in our lives.