Hadith #7082

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the essential qualities that shape a person's character and guide their actions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the meanings behind the important words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (intellect) "عَقْلُ", which refers to the faculty of reason and understanding. It is the tool through which we discern right from wrong and make informed decisions. The Quran emphasizes the importance of using our intellect in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:164), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then mentions (etiquette) "أدَبُ" as the foundation of a person's character. Etiquette encompasses manners, behavior, and moral conduct. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good manners and ethical behavior. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Next, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of (honesty) "صِدْقُ" as a leader. Honesty is the quality of being truthful and sincere in one's words and actions. The Quran emphasizes the importance of honesty in various verses, such as in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions (gratitude) "شُكْرُ" as the perfection of a person. Gratitude is the act of recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran repeatedly encourages us to be grateful, as in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thoughtful words in this Hadith serve as a comprehensive guide for Muslims in shaping their character and conduct. By utilizing our intellect to make informed decisions, practicing good manners and ethical behavior, being truthful and sincere in our words and actions, and expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, we can strive towards perfection in our faith and character.

Let us reflect on the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to embody these qualities in our daily lives, seeking Allah's pleasure and the attainment of spiritual excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).