Hadith #4971

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

How good a guidance having a good mien is!

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a good character and demeanor. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (dalalah) "دَلَالَة" in Arabic refers to guidance or direction. It signifies the act of showing the right path or leading others towards righteousness. The word (husn) "حُسْنُ" means goodness or excellence, while (samit) "سَّمْتِ" refers to one's appearance, demeanor, or conduct.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good character and conduct. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who serves as the ultimate role model for all Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah states,

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, not in one's lineage or outward appearance.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the correlation between guidance and good conduct. It teaches us that true guidance is not only about imparting knowledge or preaching, but also about embodying that knowledge in our actions and behavior. A person who possesses a good mien, characterized by kindness, humility, honesty, and compassion, becomes a living example of the guidance they convey.

When we observe the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we find that he exemplified this principle in every aspect of his life. His knowledge was not limited to theoretical understanding, but rather, it manifested in his interactions with others. He treated people with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status or beliefs. His conduct was a reflection of the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) good mien had a profound impact on those around him. People were drawn towards him not only because of his knowledge, but also because of his impeccable character. His guidance was not limited to words; it was a living example that inspired others to follow the path of righteousness.

The consequences of having a good mien are far-reaching. It fosters harmonious relationships, builds trust, and creates a positive environment. When Muslims embody the teachings of Islam through their conduct, they become beacons of guidance for others. Their actions speak louder than words, and they become a means of inviting others towards the path of righteousness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of continuously striving to improve their character and conduct. It serves as a reminder that true guidance is not limited to knowledge alone, but it is also about embodying that knowledge in our daily lives. By doing so, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for others, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that having a good mien is a form of guidance in itself. It emphasizes the importance of embodying the teachings of Islam through our character and conduct. By doing so, we become a means of guiding others towards the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate a good mien and be a source of guidance for others.