Hadith #9732

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لامُرُوَّةَ لِمَنْ لاهِمَّةَ لَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no magnanimity in one who has no determination.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (lamurrah) "لامُرُوَّةَ" refers to magnanimity or generosity. It encompasses the qualities of being noble, generous, and having a benevolent nature. The word (lahimmah) "لاهِمَّةَ" means determination or resolve. It signifies having a strong will, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37),

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.

This verse highlights the importance of one's intentions and determination in the sight of Allah. It emphasizes that true magnanimity is not merely in material acts, but rather in the sincerity and resolve behind those actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

This verse emphasizes that true magnanimity is not limited to material acts of charity, but it is also rooted in one's faith, belief, and the determination to do good deeds for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the inseparable connection between magnanimity and determination. It teaches us that true magnanimity cannot exist without a strong will and determination to do good. A person who lacks determination will not be able to exhibit true generosity and benevolence.

For example, imagine a person who desires to help the poor and needy but lacks the determination to take action. Despite having the intention to do good, without determination, they will not be able to fulfill their noble aspirations. On the other hand, a person who possesses determination will actively seek opportunities to help others and make a positive impact in society.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to cultivate determination within themselves. It encourages us to develop a strong will and resolve to strive for righteousness and engage in acts of kindness and generosity. By doing so, we can attain true magnanimity and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of lacking determination. Without determination, a person may become complacent and indifferent towards the needs of others. They may fail to fulfill their responsibilities and neglect their duty to help those in need. This lack of determination can lead to a selfish and self-centered mindset, devoid of true magnanimity.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we should strive to develop determination in all aspects of our lives. We should seek to strengthen our resolve to do good, to overcome challenges, and to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation. By doing so, we can embody the true spirit of magnanimity and leave a positive impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true magnanimity is inseparable from determination. It emphasizes the importance of having a strong will and resolve to do good deeds for the sake of Allah. By reflecting on this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can strive to cultivate determination within ourselves and attain true magnanimity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to be truly generous and benevolent.