Hadith #1338

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 example of a believer is like that of citronella, both its taste and its fragrance are pleasant.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the important words in this Hadith. "Mu'min" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows the teachings of Islam. "Utrujjah" is the Arabic term for citronella, a plant known for its pleasant taste and fragrance.

To comprehend the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in faith and good deeds. A believer is not merely someone who performs rituals, but someone who embodies the qualities of righteousness and goodness. They are like citronella, which not only has a pleasant taste but also emits a delightful fragrance.

The taste of citronella represents the good actions performed by a believer. Just as the taste of citronella is pleasing to the palate, the actions of a believer should bring joy and benefit to others. They should strive to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings, such as giving charity, helping the needy, and fulfilling promises.

The fragrance of citronella symbolizes the positive impact a believer has on their surroundings. Just as the fragrance of citronella spreads and uplifts the atmosphere, a believer's character and conduct should inspire and bring goodness to those around them. Their words and actions should exude kindness, compassion, and wisdom, leaving a lasting impression on others.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. A believer who is like citronella, both in taste and fragrance, becomes a source of blessings and positivity in society. Their actions and character attract others towards the path of righteousness and Islam. They become a means of guidance and inspiration for others, leading them towards the pleasure of Allah.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a motivation for believers to strive for excellence in their faith and deeds. It encourages them to go beyond the mere performance of rituals and to embody the true essence of Islam. By doing so, they not only attain personal spiritual growth but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully illustrates the qualities of a believer. Just as citronella is both pleasant in taste and fragrance, a believer should possess qualities that bring joy and benefit to others, while also emitting a positive impact on their surroundings. By embodying righteousness and goodness, believers become a source of blessings and inspiration for others. May Allah guide us all to be true believers who are like citronella in taste and fragrance.