Hadith #9301

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose competence is good deserves [to be given] authority.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of competence and capability in deserving authority or leadership positions. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsana) "أحْسَنَ" in the Hadith means "to do good" or "to excel." It implies the idea of performing a task in the best possible manner, surpassing the average or expected level of competence. This word highlights the importance of excellence and proficiency in any given field or responsibility.

The term (al-kifayah) "الكِفايَةَ" refers to competence or ability. It signifies the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise required to fulfill a particular role or responsibility. It implies that one should possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities to effectively carry out the duties associated with a position of authority.

To understand the significance of competence and deserving authority, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 highlights the importance of being firm and steadfast in one's actions and decisions. It implies that a leader should possess the competence and capability to navigate through challenges and make sound judgments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse highlights the importance of intervening in a just manner and using one's competence to resolve conflicts. It emphasizes that a leader should possess the necessary skills to maintain peace and justice.

From these Quranic verses, we can infer that competence and deserving authority go hand in hand. A leader who possesses the necessary competence is more likely to make informed decisions, maintain justice, and effectively fulfill their responsibilities. Such a leader is deserving of authority as they have the ability to lead and guide others in the right direction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that leadership should not be based on personal interests or external factors, but rather on competence and capability. It encourages individuals to strive for excellence in their respective fields and to develop the necessary skills to effectively contribute to society.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of recognizing and promoting individuals who possess the required competence and capability. By doing so, we ensure that those in positions of authority are best suited to fulfill their responsibilities and serve the interests of the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of competence and deserving authority. It reminds Muslims of the importance of excelling in their respective fields and developing the necessary skills to effectively contribute to society. By recognizing and promoting individuals based on their competence, we ensure that those in positions of authority are best suited to fulfill their responsibilities and serve the interests of the community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and capability to excel in our endeavors and to be deserving of any authority we are entrusted with.