Hadith #5156

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the true essence of honor and dignity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that honor is not determined by wealth or lineage, but rather by intellect and etiquette. This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of knowledge and good manners in attaining true honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (sharaf) "شَرَفُ" refers to honor, dignity, or nobility. It is derived from the root word (sharifa) "شَرِفَ", which means to be elevated or distinguished. The word (aql) "عَقْلِ" translates to intellect or wisdom, while (adab) "أَدَبِ" refers to etiquette, good manners, and moral conduct. On the other hand, (maal) "مَالِ" signifies wealth, and (hasab) "حَسَبِ" denotes lineage or social status.

To understand the significance of intellect and etiquette in attaining honor, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and good character in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 highlights that true nobility and honor are not based on external factors such as wealth or lineage, but rather on righteousness and piety. It is the level of one's faith, character, and actions that determine their true honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah says,

Indeed, 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 wisdom come from Allah alone. It is through seeking knowledge and understanding His guidance that we can attain true honor and dignity. Wealth and lineage may provide temporary status in this world, but they hold no weight in the eyes of Allah if they are not accompanied by intellect and etiquette.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the development of their intellect and character. It encourages us to seek knowledge, cultivate good manners, and strive for moral excellence. By doing so, we not only attain honor in this world but also earn the pleasure and favor of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, this Hadith challenges the societal norms that often prioritize material wealth and social status over intellectual and moral virtues. It reminds us that true honor lies in the qualities of the heart and mind, rather than external possessions or titles. It encourages us to value and respect individuals based on their knowledge, wisdom, and character, rather than their worldly achievements.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize intellect and etiquette in their pursuit of honor and dignity. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and good character in attaining true honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us to seek knowledge, cultivate good manners, and strive for moral excellence, so that we may attain true honor in this world and the Hereafter.