Hadith #4994

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The eminent one is envied and the munificent one is loved and adored.

This Hadith highlights two important qualities: being eminent and being munificent. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word "mahsud" in Arabic refers to someone who is envied or resented due to their high status, excellence, or achievements. It implies that the person possesses qualities or possessions that others desire but do not possess themselves. This envy can stem from feelings of inadequacy or jealousy. The Quran acknowledges this human tendency and warns against it in Surah Al-Falaq, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 113:5)

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.

On the other hand, the word "jawad" in Arabic refers to someone who is generous, munificent, and open-handed. This person freely gives and shares their blessings with others, without expecting anything in return. The Quran encourages generosity and highlights its rewards in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying emphasizes the contrast between envy and generosity. The eminent one, who possesses qualities or achievements that others envy, is often subjected to resentment and ill-will. This envy can arise from a variety of reasons, such as personal insecurities, feelings of inferiority, or a desire for what the eminent person possesses. However, envy is a negative emotion that can lead to animosity, division, and even harm.

On the other hand, the munificent one, who is generous and open-handed, is loved and adored by others. Their selflessness and willingness to share their blessings create a sense of admiration and gratitude among those who benefit from their generosity. This love and adoration are rooted in the recognition of the munificent person's noble character and their ability to positively impact the lives of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards being generous and selfless individuals. By embodying the qualities of the munificent one, we can cultivate love, admiration, and unity within our communities. Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those who possess qualities or achievements that we may envy. Instead of harboring negative emotions, we should strive to appreciate and learn from their successes, fostering a spirit of cooperation and support.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of avoiding envy and embracing generosity. It reminds us that envy can breed negativity and division, while generosity can foster love, admiration, and unity. As Muslims, we should strive to be munificent individuals who share our blessings with others, thereby earning the love and adoration of our fellow believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these qualities and bless us with the ability to positively impact the lives of others.