pauseplay_arrow

أحْسِن رِعايَةَ الحُرُماتِ، وأقْبِلْ عَلى أهْلِ المُرُوءاتِ، فَإنَّ رِعايَةَ الحُرُماتِ تَدُلُّ عَلى كَرَمِ الشِّيمَةِ، والإقبالَ عَلى ذَوِى المُرُوءاتِ يُعْرِبُ عَنْ شَرَفِ الهِمَّةِ۔

Guard well the sanctities [of such things that are sacrosanct] and draw near to the people of magnanimity, for indeed guarding the sanctities [and boundaries] demonstrates an honourable character and drawing near to the magnanimous indicates nobility of purpose.

Audio

Photo

Save
Guard well the sanctities [of such things that are sacrosanct] and draw...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Social Interaction And Mingling)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to guard and protect the sanctities and boundaries that have been deemed sacrosanct. The word (hurumat) "حُرُمَاتِ" refers to those things that are considered sacred and inviolable in Islam. It encompasses various aspects such as the sanctity of the Kaaba, the sanctity of the Quran, the sanctity of human life, and the sanctity of personal and societal boundaries.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then urges us to draw near to the people of magnanimity, or (ahl al-muroo'at) "أهْلِ المُرُوءاتِ". The term (muroo'at) "مُرُوءاتِ" refers to those individuals who possess noble qualities, high moral standards, and a sense of honor and dignity. These are the people who exemplify righteousness, integrity, and generosity.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that guarding the sanctities and boundaries demonstrates an honorable character. By respecting and upholding the sanctities of Islam, we showcase our reverence for the divine laws and principles. This not only reflects our piety and devotion but also highlights our commitment to maintaining the purity and integrity of our faith.

To support this exegesis, we can turn to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hajj (22:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

That (shall be so); and whoever respects the sacred ordinances of Allah, it is better for him with his Lord.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting the sacred ordinances and boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through this reverence that we attain closeness to our Lord and earn His pleasure.

Furthermore, drawing near to the people of magnanimity indicates nobility of purpose. When we associate ourselves with individuals who possess noble qualities and high moral standards, we are influenced by their positive traits. Their generosity, kindness, and righteousness inspire us to strive for excellence in our own character and conduct.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who encourage us towards goodness and righteousness. By aligning ourselves with such people, we enhance our own moral compass and elevate our purpose in life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the sanctities of Islam and to seek the company of those who possess noble qualities. By doing so, we not only demonstrate our honor and integrity but also cultivate a sense of purpose and righteousness in our lives.

Practically, this hadith encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to respect the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It urges us to refrain from engaging in any form of transgression or violation of the sanctities of Islam. Additionally, it calls upon us to seek the company of individuals who embody noble qualities, as their influence will positively impact our own character and conduct.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of guarding the sanctities and boundaries of Islam and seeking the company of those who possess noble qualities. By doing so, we not only demonstrate our honor and integrity but also cultivate a sense of purpose and righteousness in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to uphold the sanctities of Islam and draw near to the people of magnanimity.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device.