Hadith #8746

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

So his appearance is [in] the form of a human being but his heart is the heart of a beast.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the external appearance and the internal reality of a person. Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The word (sūratu) "صُورَةُ" refers to the form or appearance of something. It signifies the physical manifestation of a person, which includes their physical features, actions, and behavior. On the other hand, the word (qalbu) "قَلْبُ" refers to the heart, which is the seat of emotions, intentions, and spirituality. It represents the innermost essence of a person.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that while someone may appear to be a human being on the outside, their heart may possess the characteristics of a beast. This metaphorical comparison emphasizes the presence of negative qualities within a person's heart, such as cruelty, greed, arrogance, and deceit. These qualities are associated with the animalistic nature of beasts, which lack the higher moral and ethical standards that humans are capable of.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and piety in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie not in one's external appearance or lineage, but in the righteousness of their hearts. Therefore, a person's true worth is determined by their character, actions, and the state of their heart.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Have they not traveled through the land and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.

This verse highlights the importance of using our hearts to reason and understand the signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the world around us. It emphasizes that the true blindness lies in the hearts that are closed off to guidance and truth. It is a reminder that the state of our hearts determines our ability to perceive and comprehend the deeper meanings of life.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to focus on purifying their hearts and nurturing their spiritual growth. It cautions against the mere external display of piety without genuine sincerity and righteousness in the heart. It urges us to strive for inner transformation and to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of neglecting the purification of the heart are grave. A person with a heart filled with beastly qualities may engage in acts of oppression, injustice, and immorality. They may deceive others with their outwardly pleasing appearance while harboring malicious intentions within. Such individuals may exploit others, indulge in greed, and disregard the rights of fellow human beings. Ultimately, their actions will lead to the deterioration of society and the erosion of moral values.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to constantly self-reflect and evaluate the state of their hearts. They are encouraged to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and engage in self-discipline to purify their hearts from negative traits. By doing so, they can strive to embody the noble qualities of compassion, justice, humility, and sincerity that are befitting of a true believer.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the purification of their hearts. It highlights the significance of inner righteousness and warns against the superficiality of mere outward appearances. By striving to align our hearts with the teachings of Islam, we can aspire to be individuals who possess noble qualities and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our hearts and strengthen our faith.