Hadith #6718

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 protecting one's dignity, doing good to others, and showing clemency. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Protect your dignity with your worldly possessions and you will be honored.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to safeguard their honor and reputation by utilizing their material possessions wisely. This means that one should not use their wealth or possessions in a manner that compromises their dignity or integrity. Instead, they should use their resources to uphold their honor and maintain their noble character.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the Quranic principle of using wealth and possessions in a responsible and righteous manner. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse reminds Muslims to strike a balance in their use of wealth, neither being miserly nor extravagant. By protecting their dignity through responsible use of worldly possessions, Muslims can earn the respect and honor of others.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Do good to others and you will be served.

This highlights the importance of kindness, generosity, and selflessness towards others. By performing acts of goodness and helping those in need, Muslims can create a positive impact on society and earn the goodwill of others. This teaching resonates with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:263)

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury.

This verse emphasizes the significance of kind words and forgiveness, which are essential in fostering harmonious relationships and earning the assistance and support of others.

The third part of the Hadith states,

Show clemency and you will be put forward (or you will advance).

This teaches Muslims the importance of patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. By demonstrating clemency and refraining from seeking revenge or holding grudges, individuals can elevate themselves spiritually and socially. This teaching is in line with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-A'raf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 42:40)

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah.

This verse encourages Muslims to forgive and reconcile, as it leads to divine rewards and blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides valuable guidance on protecting one's dignity, doing good to others, and showing clemency. By adhering to these teachings, Muslims can uphold their honor, earn the respect and assistance of others, and advance spiritually and socially. These teachings are in harmony with the principles and values emphasized in the Quran, which guide Muslims in leading a righteous and honorable life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.