Hadith #1045

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights his profound understanding and knowledge. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

Verily I deem myself higher than that I should forbid people from that which I do not forbid myself.

Here, the Imam emphasizes his commitment to leading by example. He refuses to impose restrictions on others that he does not impose on himself. This demonstrates his integrity and fairness as a leader.

This principle of leading by example is reinforced in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and moral conduct. It teaches us that true nobility lies in piety and adherence to the commands of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) embodies this concept by not imposing restrictions on others that he does not impose on himself.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

or enjoin them towards that which I have not preceded them in performing.

Here, the Imam emphasizes the importance of leading by example in acts of worship and righteousness. He refuses to command others to perform actions that he himself has not already performed.

This principle is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:170), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when We raised the mountain above them as if it was a dark cloud and they were certain that it would fall upon them, [ Allah ] said, 'Take what We have given you with determination and remember what is in it that you might fear Allah.'

This verse recounts the incident of the Israelites being commanded to enter the city of Jerusalem and fight against its inhabitants. However, due to their lack of faith, they hesitated and doubted the command of Allah. This hesitation and lack of action led to their failure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognizes the importance of not only giving commands but also setting an example through his own actions. He understands that leading by example is crucial in motivating and inspiring others to follow the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by saying,

or that I should be pleased with their actions which my Lord is not pleased with.

Here, the Imam emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions with the pleasure of Allah. He refuses to be pleased with actions that are not in accordance with the divine will.

This principle is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

This verse warns against the arrogance and pride that can arise from being pleased with one's own actions, even if they are not in accordance with the divine will. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognizes the danger of such pride and refuses to be pleased with actions that do not align with the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of leading by example, both in forbidding and enjoining actions, as well as in being pleased with the actions of others. It highlights the need for integrity, fairness, and alignment with the divine will. May we all strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek the pleasure of Allah in all our actions.