Hadith #1435

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما فِرارُ الكِرامِ مِنَ الحِمامِ كَفِرارِهِمْ مِنَ البُخلِ ومُقارَنَةِ اللِّئامِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the contrast between the behavior of the noble and the ignoble. It states that the honorable individuals do not flee from death in the same way that they flee from stinginess and the company of the wicked.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term "كِرامِ" refers to the honorable or noble individuals who possess noble qualities and high moral standards. "فِرارُ" means to flee or run away from something. "الحِمامِ" refers to death, which is an inevitable reality that every human being will face. "البُخلِ" signifies stinginess or miserliness, which is the opposite of generosity. Lastly, "اللِّئامِ" refers to the wicked or ignoble individuals who possess low moral standards and engage in sinful behavior.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be further understood by examining relevant Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of generosity and spending in the cause of Allah, which is the opposite of stinginess. The honorable individuals mentioned in the Hadith do not flee from generosity and spending, as they understand the immense reward and blessings associated with it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companionship and avoiding the company of the wicked. The honorable individuals mentioned in the Hadith do not flee from distancing themselves from the wicked, as they understand the negative influence and consequences of such associations.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the priorities and values of the honorable individuals. They do not fear death, as they understand it to be a transition to the eternal life and a means to attain the pleasure of Allah. However, they flee from stinginess and the company of the wicked, as they recognize the detrimental effects on their character and spiritual well-being.

The motivation behind this behavior stems from their deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. The noble individuals strive to embody the qualities of generosity, kindness, and righteousness, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). They are motivated by the desire to please Allah and attain His mercy and forgiveness.

The consequences of following the guidance of this Hadith are profound. By prioritizing generosity over stinginess, the honorable individuals are able to contribute to the betterment of society and alleviate the suffering of others. By distancing themselves from the company of the wicked, they protect their own spiritual well-being and maintain a positive influence on those around them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize noble qualities and values over worldly attachments. It encourages us to embrace generosity and righteousness while avoiding stinginess and the company of the wicked. By doing so, we can strive to attain the honor and pleasure of Allah and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to embody the teachings of Islam.