Hadith #1345

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The beauty of a believer’s face is from the special favor of Allah on him.

This Hadith emphasizes the significance of the beauty of a believer's face and attributes it to the divine care and attention bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (husn) "حُسْنُ" refers to beauty, goodness, or excellence. It encompasses both physical and spiritual beauty. (wajh) "وَجْهِ" means face, and it symbolizes the outward manifestation of a person's inner qualities and character. (mu'min) "مُؤْمِنِ" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows His guidance.

To comprehend the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further enlightenment. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:12)

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the importance of gratitude towards Allah's blessings. When a believer is grateful for the favors bestowed upon them by Allah, it reflects on their face and brings about a radiance that is pleasing to behold. This radiance is not merely physical but also encompasses the inner peace and contentment that comes from having a strong connection with Allah.

Another verse that sheds light on the beauty of a believer's face is found in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 83:22-24)

Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure. On adorned couches, observing. You will recognize in their faces the radiance of pleasure.

This verse describes the state of the righteous in Paradise, where their faces will radiate with joy and contentment. It signifies that the beauty of a believer's face is not limited to this worldly life but extends into the hereafter, where the true essence of their faith will be manifested.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of nurturing our faith and maintaining a strong connection with Allah. When we strive to please Him, seek His forgiveness, and follow His guidance, our faces will reflect the beauty and serenity that comes from being in harmony with our Creator.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a motivation for believers to cultivate their inner qualities and character. It encourages us to embody the virtues of kindness, compassion, patience, and humility, which will be reflected in our interactions with others and ultimately on our faces. By doing so, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for those around us, inviting them towards the path of righteousness.

Conversely, neglecting our faith and indulging in sinful behavior can tarnish the beauty of our faces. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, (Quran 83:14)

Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the beauty of a believer's face, both in this world and the hereafter. It reminds us that this beauty is a reflection of our faith, gratitude, and righteousness. By nurturing our connection with Allah and embodying the virtues of Islam, we can attain a beauty that goes beyond the physical and radiates from within. May Allah bless us all with the beauty of faith and grant us the ability to reflect His light in our faces.