Hadith #4680

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The strongest means [of gaining success in this world and the next] is having excellent [qualities and] merits.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous qualities and merits in order to attain success in both this life and the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aqwa) "أقْوَى" means "strongest" or "most powerful." It refers to something that possesses great strength and effectiveness. (al-wasa'il) "الوَسائِلِ" translates to "means" or "methods." It refers to the various ways and strategies that can be employed to achieve a desired outcome. (husn) "حُسْنُ" means "excellent" or "good." It signifies the quality of being virtuous, noble, and praiseworthy. Lastly, (al-fada'il) "الفَضائِلِ" refers to "qualities" or "merits." It encompasses the positive attributes and moral virtues that one possesses.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good character and virtues in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the balance between seeking success in the hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It emphasizes the importance of doing good and cultivating virtuous qualities. By doing so, we not only please Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56. Allah says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance and success come from Allah alone. However, Allah's guidance is often manifested through individuals who possess excellent qualities and merits. These individuals become a means through which others are guided and inspired.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that the strongest means of achieving success in this world and the hereafter is by cultivating excellent qualities and merits. When we strive to embody virtues such as honesty, kindness, patience, and humility, we not only become better individuals but also positively impact those around us.

For example, if we possess the virtue of honesty, we will be trusted by others, and our words and actions will carry weight and credibility. This can lead to opportunities and success in various aspects of life, such as relationships, business, and leadership. Similarly, if we cultivate the virtue of kindness, we will be a source of comfort and support for others. This can create a ripple effect of positivity and contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society.

Conversely, neglecting to develop virtuous qualities and merits can have detrimental consequences. If we lack qualities such as integrity, compassion, and justice, we may find ourselves engaging in dishonesty, cruelty, and injustice. This not only harms others but also tarnishes our own character and reputation. Such actions can lead to a loss of trust, strained relationships, and a negative impact on our overall success and well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of cultivating excellent qualities and merits as the strongest means of attaining success in this world and the hereafter. By embodying virtues and striving to improve ourselves, we not only please Allah but also positively impact our own lives and the lives of those around us. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate and embody these virtues, and may He guide us to success in both this life and the hereafter.