Hadith #7810

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose lineage is honourable, his presence is good.

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

The word "karuma" in Arabic means "to be honorable" or "to be noble." It refers to a person's lineage, ancestry, or family background. It signifies the importance of having a noble lineage, which includes being descended from righteous and virtuous individuals. This lineage is not limited to one's biological family, but also encompasses the spiritual lineage of the Prophets and Imams.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of lineage in the Quran in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger, which is a characteristic of those with an honorable lineage.

Furthermore, the phrase "mahdiduhu" in the Hadith refers to one's presence or appearance. It signifies the outward manifestation of one's inner qualities and character. A person with an honorable lineage possesses a good presence, which reflects their noble upbringing and righteous values.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good character and presence in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 26:

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse highlights the importance of intervening in conflicts with wisdom and justice, which is a characteristic of those with a good presence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for noble lineage and to cultivate a good presence. Having an honorable lineage instills a sense of responsibility to uphold the values and teachings of our righteous ancestors. It motivates us to seek knowledge, practice righteousness, and contribute positively to society.

A person with a good presence is respected and admired by others. Their actions and words have a positive impact on those around them. They serve as role models and sources of inspiration for others to emulate. Their presence brings about harmony, unity, and goodness in society.

Conversely, neglecting one's lineage and failing to cultivate a good presence can have negative consequences. It can lead to a loss of identity, a lack of purpose, and a disconnection from the teachings of Islam. It may result in a negative influence on others and a deterioration of moral values within society.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, Muslims are encouraged to honor their lineage, both biological and spiritual, and to strive for excellence in their character and presence. By doing so, we can contribute to the betterment of ourselves, our families, and our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to leave a positive impact on those around us.