Hadith #10721

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the qualities of the best person. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (zahadat) "زَهَدَتْ", which means "uninterested" or "unattached." It refers to a state of detachment from worldly pleasures and material possessions. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children...

This verse reminds Muslims of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the need to prioritize the eternal life of the hereafter.

The second word is (raghbatuhu) "رَغْبَتُهُ", which means "desire" or "attachment." It signifies the intensity of one's attachment to worldly desires. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against excessive attachment to worldly desires, saying, (18:46)

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope

This verse reminds Muslims to prioritize good deeds and the pursuit of righteousness over the accumulation of material possessions.

The third word is (shahwatu) "شَهْوَتُهُ", which means "lust" or "passion." It refers to the overpowering desires and inclinations that can lead one astray. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 27, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following one's desires, saying, (4:27)

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying

This verse reminds Muslims to control their desires and align them with the guidance of Allah.

The fourth word is (imanuhu) "إيمانُهُ", which means "faith" or "belief." It signifies the purity and sincerity of one's faith in Allah and His teachings. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 15, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:15)

Indeed, the believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful

This verse highlights the importance of unwavering faith and dedication to the path of Allah.

The fifth word is (iqanuhu) "إيقانُهُ", which means "certitude" or "conviction." It refers to the firmness and strength of one's belief in the truth. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:7)

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided

This verse emphasizes the importance of having firm conviction in the message of Allah and following the guidance of His Messenger (ﷺ).

Now, let us reflect on the essence of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best person is one who is detached from worldly pleasures, has minimal attachment to desires, has overcome their lusts, possesses pure faith, and has unwavering conviction in the truth. Such a person is not swayed by the temporary allure of this world, but instead focuses on the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

By embodying these qualities, one can attain a higher level of spirituality and closeness to Allah. They are able to prioritize their actions and intentions based on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and inner peace.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. One becomes less attached to material possessions and more focused on fulfilling their duties towards Allah and their fellow human beings. They are able to resist the temptations of this world and remain steadfast in their faith. This ultimately leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and success in both this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us of the qualities that define the best person. By striving to detach ourselves from worldly pleasures, minimize our desires, overcome our lusts, purify our faith, and strengthen our conviction in the truth, we can attain a higher level of spirituality and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and become among the best of people.