Hadith #3233

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 advises us to be zealous for praiseworthy qualities and to beautify ourselves with excellent traits. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (be zealous) "تَعَصَّبُوا", (qualities) "خِلالِ", (praiseworthy) "حَمْدِ", (protecting) "حِفْظِ", (neighbor) "جَارِ", (fulfilling) "وَفَاءِ", (sureties) "ذِّمَامِ", (obedience) "طَّاعَةِ", (virtue) "بِرِّ", (opposition) "مَعْصِيَةِ", (arrogance) "كِبْرِ", and (excellent traits) "مَكَارِمِ".

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us 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 the importance of knowing and recognizing one another. It encourages us to build strong relationships with our neighbors, regardless of their background or beliefs. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this sentiment by urging us to protect the rights of our neighbors, which includes respecting their privacy, helping them in times of need, and maintaining harmonious relations.

Furthermore, the Hadith highlights the significance of fulfilling sureties. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring our commitments and fulfilling our obligations. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be diligent in fulfilling our promises and sureties, as it is a praiseworthy quality that strengthens trust and fosters unity within society.

The Hadith also emphasizes the virtue of obedience and opposition to arrogance. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to Allah's commandments and the rejection of arrogance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to oppose arrogance and to humbly submit to the virtues and values prescribed by Allah. By doing so, we cultivate a sense of humility, righteousness, and compassion towards others.

Lastly, the Hadith encourages us to beautify ourselves with excellent traits. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse praises the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and serves as a reminder for us to strive towards excellence in our own conduct.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to adorn ourselves with praiseworthy qualities such as kindness, generosity, patience, and forgiveness. By embodying these excellent traits, we not only enhance our own character but also positively impact the lives of those around us.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims, reminding us to be zealous for praiseworthy qualities, protect the rights of our neighbors, fulfill our obligations, obey virtue, oppose arrogance, and adorn ourselves with excellent traits. By following these teachings, we can strive towards becoming better individuals and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these teachings in our daily lives.