كِتابُ المَرْءِ مِعْيارُ فَضْلِهِ، ومِسْبارُ نُبْلِهِ۔
The writing of a person is the gauge of his merit and the measure of his nobility.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Book And Writing)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) states,
The writing of a person is the gauge of his merit and the measure of his nobility.
This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of a person's actions and deeds as a reflection of their character and worth. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The word "writing" in this Hadith refers to the actions and deeds of an individual. It signifies that one's actions are a clear indicator of their true worth and nobility. The term "gauge" implies that these actions serve as a measure or criterion to evaluate a person's merit. Similarly, the word "measure" highlights the significance of these actions in determining one's nobility.
The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept expressed in this Hadith. 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 lies in righteousness and piety. It is not determined by one's lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
This verse highlights the importance of brotherhood and unity among believers, regardless of their social status or worldly possessions. It emphasizes that true merit lies in the fear of Allah and the pursuit of justice and harmony.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our actions and deeds are not merely superficial displays but rather a reflection of our inner character and values. It serves as a reminder that our worth is not determined by external factors, but by the sincerity and righteousness of our actions.
For example, if a person consistently engages in acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion, it reflects their noble character and merits. On the other hand, if a person consistently engages in dishonesty, cruelty, and injustice, it reveals their lack of nobility and moral worth.
The consequences of this Hadith are profound. It encourages us to strive for excellence in our actions and to constantly evaluate and improve ourselves. It reminds us that our true worth lies in our commitment to righteousness and piety, rather than in worldly achievements or material possessions.
This Hadith also serves as a motivation for self-reflection and self-improvement. It urges us to assess our actions and deeds, and to align them with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can strive to become better individuals and contribute positively to society.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that our actions and deeds are a reflection of our true worth and nobility. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness and piety in determining our merit. By aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can strive to become individuals of noble character and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to live up to the standards of true nobility.
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