Hadith #2668

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who elevates himself by truth is not overtaken (or abased).

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (i'tazza) "اعْتَزَّ" in the Hadith refers to elevating oneself or taking pride in something. In this context, it signifies elevating oneself through adherence to the truth. The word (al-haqq) "الحَقِّ" means truth, which is an essential concept in Islam. It encompasses the truthfulness of speech, actions, and beliefs. It is the path of righteousness and the opposite of falsehood.

The Hadith emphasizes that one who elevates themselves through truth will not be overtaken or abased. This means that when a person upholds and lives by the truth, they are protected from humiliation, disgrace, and being overcome by falsehood. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to elevate those who adhere to the truth and grant them honor and dignity.

This concept is beautifully reflected in the Quran. In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah says,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse highlights that those who believe in Allah and possess knowledge will be elevated by Him. Their adherence to the truth and their pursuit of knowledge will be rewarded with honor and respect.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah states,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that those who do not seek worldly power and corruption but instead strive for righteousness and truth will be granted the best outcome in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize truthfulness in all aspects of their lives. By upholding the truth, we not only protect ourselves from being overtaken by falsehood but also earn the favor and blessings of Allah. It is through the pursuit of truth that we can attain true success and honor, both in this world and the Hereafter.

For example, when we are faced with a situation where speaking the truth may be difficult or inconvenient, we should remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By choosing to uphold the truth, even in challenging circumstances, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and integrity. This may require courage and sacrifice, but the rewards are immense.

Moreover, the Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the truth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. By acquiring knowledge and understanding the truth, we equip ourselves with the tools to distinguish between right and wrong, and to navigate through the complexities of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of elevating ourselves through truth. By adhering to the truth and seeking knowledge, we protect ourselves from being overtaken by falsehood and earn the favor of Allah. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and prioritize truthfulness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us on the path of truth and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.