Hadith #9214

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْزَعُ الكَريمِ أبَداً إلى شِيَمِ آبائِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The propensity of a noble-minded person is always towards the [positive] traits of his forefathers.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word "مَنْزَعُ" refers to the inclination or natural tendency of an individual. It signifies the inherent disposition or inclination that a person possesses. The term "الكَريمِ" refers to someone who is noble-minded, generous, and possesses honorable qualities. "شِيَمِ آبائِهِ" refers to the traits, characteristics, and virtues of one's forefathers.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the positive qualities of our forefathers. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who sought strength and guidance from Allah, acknowledging the importance of the legacy and teachings of his forefathers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:133), Allah states,

Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, 'What will you worship after me?' They said, 'We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac - one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'

This verse highlights the obedience and adherence of Prophet Ya'qub's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sons to the monotheistic faith of their forefathers. It demonstrates the importance of following the righteous path laid down by our ancestors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the natural inclination of a noble-minded person towards the positive traits of their forefathers. It highlights the significance of recognizing and embracing the virtues, knowledge, and wisdom passed down through generations. This inclination is not limited to biological lineage but extends to the spiritual lineage as well. Just as we inherit physical traits from our ancestors, we also inherit their spiritual qualities and values.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to seek inspiration from the noble qualities of our forefathers. By doing so, we can benefit from their experiences, teachings, and examples. This inclination towards the positive traits of our forefathers enables us to uphold their legacy and continue their righteous deeds.

For example, if our forefathers were known for their generosity, we should strive to be generous in our actions and dealings with others. If they were known for their patience, we should cultivate patience in our own lives. By embodying these virtues, we not only honor our forefathers but also contribute to the betterment of society.

Conversely, if our forefathers had negative traits or engaged in wrongful actions, we should learn from their mistakes and strive to rectify them. We should not blindly follow their negative behaviors but rather seek to improve ourselves and break the cycle of negative patterns.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the natural inclination of noble-minded individuals towards the positive traits of their forefathers. It encourages us to recognize and embrace the virtues, knowledge, and wisdom passed down through generations. By doing so, we can uphold their legacy, learn from their experiences, and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the righteous path of our forefathers and grant us the strength to embody their noble qualities.