Hadith #8744

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of the heart over physical strength and appearance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The strong muscles of the body and its height are of no benefit if the heart is empty.

This wise utterance emphasizes that true strength lies within the heart, not in physical attributes.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (izamu) "عِظَمُ" refers to the strong muscles or physical strength of the body. It signifies the external appearance and physical capabilities. The word (tuluhu) "طُولُهُ" refers to height, which is another physical attribute. These words collectively represent the superficial aspects of a person's existence.

On the other hand, the word (al-qalb) "القَلْبُ" refers to the heart, which is the center of a person's spiritual and emotional being. It is the seat of intellect, conscience, and sincerity. The heart is the source of one's intentions, beliefs, and actions. It is through the heart that one connects with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeks His pleasure.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the importance of the heart and its role in determining a person's true worth. 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 emphasizes that true nobility and superiority are not based on physical attributes or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. It is the purity of the heart and the sincerity of one's actions that elevate a person's rank in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us that true superiority lies in the righteousness of one's character and conduct, not in physical appearance or worldly achievements. It warns against arrogance and belittling others based on external factors. It is the purity of the heart and the sincerity of one's actions that truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that while physical strength and appearance may have temporary value in this world, they hold no significance in the grand scheme of things. It is the state of our hearts, our intentions, and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that truly matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to focus on nurturing our hearts, purifying our intentions, and seeking spiritual growth. A strong and healthy heart, filled with faith, humility, and sincerity, is the key to attaining success in both this world and the hereafter.

Let us reflect upon this profound Hadith and strive to prioritize the development of our hearts over the pursuit of worldly achievements. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to strengthen our hearts and seek His pleasure above all else.