Hadith #3262

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights six aspects that are used to evaluate the character of individuals. These aspects are: happiness and anger, security and fear, deprivation and desire. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

1. Happiness (الرِّضا): This refers to a person's behavior and attitude when they are content and satisfied. The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nahl (16:18),

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

A person's character is tested in times of blessings, and their response should reflect humility, gratitude, and the recognition that all blessings come from Allah.

2. Anger (الغضَبُ): This refers to how a person behaves when they are angry or provoked. The Quran advises Muslims to control their anger and respond with patience and forgiveness. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

A person's character is tested in moments of anger, and their ability to control their emotions and respond with kindness and forgiveness is a reflection of their inner strength.

3. Security (الأمْنُ): This refers to a person's behavior when they feel safe and protected. The Quran encourages Muslims to uphold justice and maintain peace and security in society. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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.

A person's character is tested when they have power and authority, and their response should reflect justice, fairness, and the protection of the rights of others.

4. Fear (الرَّهْبُ): This refers to a person's behavior when they are afraid or facing adversity. The Quran repeatedly reminds Muslims to have trust in Allah and seek His protection. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

A person's character is tested in times of fear, and their response should reflect reliance on Allah, patience, and seeking His guidance and support.

5. Deprivation (المَنْعُ): This refers to a person's behavior when they are deprived or facing hardships. The Quran teaches Muslims to be patient and steadfast in times of difficulty. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

A person's character is tested in times of deprivation, and their response should reflect resilience, perseverance, and trust in Allah's plan.

6. Desire (الرَّغْبُ): This refers to a person's behavior when they are tempted or enticed by worldly desires. The Quran advises Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly pleasures. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

A person's character is tested when they are faced with desires, and their response should reflect self-control, moderation, and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides valuable insights into the various aspects that are used to gauge the character of individuals. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good conduct and righteousness in different situations, whether it be in times of happiness or anger, security or fear, deprivation or desire. By aligning our behavior with the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to develop a strong and virtuous character that is pleasing to Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome the tests of life.