Hadith #9730

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

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

لاتَكْمُلُ المُرُوَّةُ إلاّ لِلَبيب۔

This Hadith has been translated into English as,

Magnanimity is not perfected except for the intelligent one.

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

The word (muruwwah) "مُرُوَّةُ" in this Hadith refers to magnanimity, nobility, or excellence in character. It encompasses virtues such as generosity, kindness, and righteousness. The term (labib) "لَبيب" means intelligent, wise, or discerning. It refers to a person who possesses deep understanding, insight, and wisdom.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty in one's character. A person who is truly magnanimous will not display arrogance or look down upon others. Instead, they will treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their social status or background.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from mockery, insults, and derogatory remarks. A person who possesses true magnanimity will not engage in such behavior, but rather, they will treat others with dignity and respect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true magnanimity is not merely an external display of generosity or kindness. It is rooted in intelligence and wisdom. An intelligent person understands the consequences of their actions and words. They possess the ability to discern what is right and wrong, and they strive to act in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

For example, an intelligent person will not only give charity but will also ensure that their charitable acts are done with sincerity and without seeking recognition or praise. They will understand that true magnanimity lies in the intention behind their actions, rather than the outward display of generosity.

Similarly, an intelligent person will not only refrain from insulting or mocking others, but they will also actively promote unity and harmony among people. They will understand that true magnanimity lies in building bridges of understanding and compassion, rather than engaging in divisive behavior.

The consequences of embodying true magnanimity are profound. It fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, strengthens relationships, and promotes a peaceful and harmonious society. It also brings about personal growth and spiritual development, as one strives to align their actions with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true magnanimity is not perfected except for the intelligent one. It emphasizes the importance of possessing wisdom and discernment in order to embody true magnanimity. By understanding the consequences of our actions and striving to align them with the teachings of Islam, we can cultivate a character that is truly noble and virtuous. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to embody true magnanimity in our lives.