Hadith #2879

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) emphasizes the importance of focusing on praiseworthy actions and traits, while cautioning against engaging in disgraceful actions and traits. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (mahamid) "مَحامِدِ", which refers to praiseworthy actions or traits. It encompasses all deeds and qualities that are commendable and virtuous in the sight of Allah. These include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as moral virtues like honesty, kindness, and patience. By encouraging us to "increase" in these praiseworthy actions, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to strive for excellence in our character and conduct.

To understand the significance of this exhortation, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good deeds and virtues. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse highlights the importance of prayer and charity, which are among the praiseworthy actions mentioned in the Hadith. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

This verse emphasizes the significance of righteousness and moral excellence, which are also encompassed by the term (mahamid) "مَحامِدِ".

On the other hand, the Hadith warns against engaging in (mazam) "مَذامَّ", which refers to disgraceful actions or traits. These are deeds and qualities that are condemned and detested by Allah. They include sins such as lying, backbiting, and injustice, as well as vices like arrogance, greed, and envy. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us that these disgraceful actions and traits are such that only a few are able to escape their harmful consequences and attain salvation.

To understand the gravity of disgraceful actions, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah warns against various sins and vices. For example, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the gravity of engaging in illicit sexual relations, which is one of the disgraceful actions mentioned in the Hadith. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah warns against backbiting and says, (Quran 49:12)

And do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.

This verse emphasizes the repugnance of backbiting, which is another example of a disgraceful action.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and traits, striving to increase in praiseworthy qualities while avoiding disgraceful actions. By doing so, we can purify our hearts, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and ultimately attain salvation in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to focus on increasing our praiseworthy actions and traits, while cautioning against engaging in disgraceful actions and traits. It reminds us of the importance of striving for excellence in our character and conduct, as well as the consequences of indulging in sinful and detestable behavior. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from falling into disgraceful actions.