Hadith #2910

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Lord of all the worlds, and may His blessings be upon His final messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a amazing Hadith that reflects his deep understanding, wisdom, and commitment to righteousness. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by saying,

Indeed I raise myself such that there should be no need that my generosity cannot encompass.

Here, the Imam emphasizes his unparalleled generosity, highlighting that he strives to fulfill the needs of others to the best of his ability. This attribute of generosity is highly praised in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself is described as Al-Kareem, the Most Generous. The Quran affirms this quality in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

nor any ignorance that cannot be encompassed by my forbearance.

Here, the Imam highlights his immense patience and forbearance, indicating that he possesses the ability to tolerate and overlook the ignorance of others. This quality is in line with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to respond to ignorance with kindness and forgiveness. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

nor any wrongdoing that my forgiveness cannot encompass.

Here, the Imam emphasizes his capacity for forgiveness, indicating that he is willing to forgive even the gravest of wrongdoings. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 134, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

nor should there be a time that is longer than my time [spent in worship and righteous actions].

Here, the Imam expresses his commitment to worship and righteous deeds, indicating that he dedicates his time and efforts to the service of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This reflects the profound knowledge and understanding that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed, as he recognized the importance of utilizing one's time in the pursuit of good deeds. The Quran emphasizes the significance of righteous actions in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It highlights the importance of generosity, forbearance, forgiveness, and the utilization of time in the pursuit of righteous actions. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill our duties as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and seek His pleasure in all that we do.