Hadith #1541

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

وَجْهٌ مُسْتَبْشِرٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ قَطْوب مُؤثِر۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a cheerful face and highlights its superiority over a serious, frowning face.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (wajh) "وَجْهٌ" refers to the face, which is the most prominent feature of a person and reflects their emotions and inner state. (mustabshir) "مُسْتَبْشِرٌ" means cheerful, joyful, or happy. It signifies a face that radiates positivity, contentment, and a pleasant demeanor. On the other hand, (qatwub) "قَطْوب" refers to a serious, frowning face that reflects sadness, worry, or anger. (mu'thir) "مُؤثِر" means influential or impactful, indicating that a frowning face has a negative impact on oneself and others.

To further understand the significance of a cheerful face, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:35),

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse highlights the importance of light, which symbolizes guidance, positivity, and enlightenment. A cheerful face can be seen as a manifestation of this light, spreading positivity and radiating happiness to those around them.

Moreover, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to maintain a positive outlook and to be grateful in various verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Az-Zumar (39:7), Allah says,

If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and positivity, as it leads to an increase in blessings from Allah. A cheerful face reflects gratitude and contentment, which in turn attracts more blessings and positive outcomes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of a cheerful face. He recognized that a positive demeanor not only brings joy to oneself but also has a profound impact on others. A cheerful face can uplift the spirits of those around them, create a harmonious atmosphere, and strengthen social bonds. Conversely, a frowning face can spread negativity, dampen the mood, and create a sense of unease.

It is important to note that having a cheerful face does not mean suppressing genuine emotions or pretending to be happy at all times. Rather, it encourages us to cultivate a positive mindset, find joy in the blessings of Allah, and maintain a pleasant demeanor even during challenging times. It reminds us to approach life with optimism, seek solutions instead of dwelling on problems, and spread positivity through our interactions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the superiority of a cheerful face over a serious, frowning face. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, radiating happiness, and spreading joy to those around us. By embodying the qualities of a cheerful face, we can create a positive impact on ourselves and others, attract blessings from Allah, and contribute to a harmonious and uplifting environment. May Allah guide us to embody this beautiful teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to always wear a cheerful face.