Hadith #9194

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا كَرُمَ أصْلُ الرَّجُلِ كَرُمَ مَغيبُهُ ومَحْضَرُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

When the core of a man is noble, [both] his absence and presence are [considered] noble.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance. The word (asl) "أصْلُ" in Arabic refers to the core or essence of something. In this context, it signifies the inner character and moral foundation of an individual. The word (karama) "كَرُمَ" means nobility or honor. Therefore, the Hadith is emphasizing that when a person's inner character is noble, it reflects in both their absence and presence.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status. When a person's inner character is rooted in righteousness, their actions and behavior will reflect this nobility, regardless of whether they are present or absent. Their absence will be marked by trustworthiness, integrity, and positive influence, while their presence will be characterized by humility, kindness, and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance and righteousness come from Allah alone. When a person's core is noble, it is a reflection of their connection with Allah and their adherence to His guidance.

The consequences of embodying this noble core are far-reaching. A person who possesses inner nobility will have a positive impact on their surroundings, inspiring others to strive for righteousness and goodness. Their absence will be felt as a loss, as their presence brings about blessings and guidance. People will seek their counsel and guidance, knowing that their words and actions are rooted in sincerity and wisdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was the epitome of knowledge and righteousness. His core was so noble that it radiated in both his absence and presence. Even during his absence, his teachings and wisdom continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. His presence was marked by justice, compassion, and unparalleled knowledge.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and cultivate a noble core within ourselves. We should prioritize the development of our inner character, seeking righteousness and piety in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can become beacons of guidance and blessings, impacting those around us even in our absence.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the noble qualities described in this Hadith and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.