Hadith #3224

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the Muslims to engage in healthy competition, but not in materialistic pursuits or worldly gains. Instead, he encourages them to compete in acquiring virtuous qualities and praiseworthy traits. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (tanafasu) "تَنَافَسُوا" in the Hadith means to compete or vie with one another. It implies a sense of rivalry or contest. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this competition should not be focused on worldly matters, but rather on the acquisition of (al-khisal al-raghiba) "الخِصَالِ الرَّغِيبَةِ" - desirable qualities and praiseworthy traits.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 highlights the importance of righteousness and piety as the criteria for superiority in the sight of Allah. It emphasizes that true competition should be based on moral excellence and spiritual growth, rather than on superficial factors such as wealth, status, or lineage.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reflects the aspiration for steadfastness and consistency in one's actions and character. It encourages Muslims to strive for inner strength and resilience, which are essential qualities in the pursuit of righteousness and the development of praiseworthy traits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and moral development over worldly gains. It urges them to engage in a healthy competition that fosters personal growth and benefits the community as a whole.

By focusing on acquiring desirable qualities and praiseworthy traits, Muslims can strive to embody the teachings of Islam and become better individuals. This competition should be driven by a genuine desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure, rather than seeking validation or recognition from others.

For example, instead of competing for material possessions or worldly achievements, Muslims can compete in acts of kindness, generosity, humility, patience, and forgiveness. They can strive to excel in their worship, seek knowledge, and engage in acts of charity and service to humanity. This competition should be rooted in sincerity and humility, with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah and benefiting others.

The consequences of following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith are profound. It leads to the development of a virtuous and compassionate society, where individuals strive to outdo one another in goodness and righteousness. This competition fosters unity, cooperation, and mutual support among Muslims, as they encourage and inspire each other to become better versions of themselves.

Moreover, engaging in this type of competition helps Muslims overcome negative traits such as envy, jealousy, and arrogance. It cultivates a sense of self-awareness and self-improvement, as individuals constantly strive to better themselves and overcome their shortcomings. This leads to personal growth, spiritual fulfillment, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a guiding principle for Muslims to engage in a healthy competition that focuses on acquiring virtuous qualities and praiseworthy traits. By prioritizing spiritual growth and moral development over worldly gains, Muslims can strive to become better individuals and contribute positively to their communities. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of righteousness, piety, and inner excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in our pursuit of these noble qualities and bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.