Hadith #5006

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 Arabic phrase of the Hadith is "لا شَرَفَ كَالسُّؤْدَدِ۔" which translates to

There is no honour like eminence.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of integrity and uprightness in attaining true honor and respect.

The word (sharaf) "شَرَفَ" refers to honor, dignity, or nobility. It encompasses the qualities and actions that elevate an individual's status in the eyes of others. However, the Hadith emphasizes that the highest form of honor is achieved through (as-suddad) "السُّؤْدَدِ", which means eminence, righteousness, or steadfastness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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.

This verse emphasizes that true honor and nobility are not based on lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements. Rather, it is determined by one's righteousness and piety. The most honorable individuals in the sight of Allah are those who possess the highest level of moral character and steadfastness in their faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance and eminence come from Allah alone. No matter how influential or knowledgeable a person may be, it is ultimately Allah who grants guidance and bestows honor upon His servants. Therefore, seeking His pleasure and following His commands should be our utmost priority.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of embodying the qualities of righteousness and steadfastness in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder that true honor is not attained through worldly pursuits or material possessions, but through the strength of character and unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam.

By upholding the values of honesty, justice, and compassion, we can attain a level of eminence that surpasses any temporary worldly honor. This eminence is not limited to a specific position or status but is a reflection of the inner qualities that define a person's character.

When we prioritize eminence over superficial forms of honor, we become individuals who are respected and admired for our integrity, sincerity, and moral conduct. Our actions and words align with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true honor lies in eminence, which is achieved through righteousness and steadfastness in our faith. It encourages us to prioritize our character and moral conduct over worldly achievements. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of eminence and attain true honor in this life and the hereafter.