Hadith #9180

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble qualities of a person who possesses a generous and forgiving nature. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the meanings of its important words and drawing upon relevant Quranic verses to further illuminate its message.

The first important word in this Hadith is (al-karim) "الكريم", which refers to a person of noble character, generosity, and magnanimity. This word emphasizes the high moral standards and virtuous qualities that such an individual possesses. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies someone who forgives others despite having the power to seek revenge.

The next word is (ya'fu) "يعفو", which means to forgive or pardon. It signifies the act of letting go of resentment and choosing not to hold grudges, even when one has the ability to seek retribution. This quality of forgiveness is highly praised in Islam and is exemplified by the Prophets and the righteous individuals throughout history.

The phrase (ma'a al-qudrah) "مع القدرة" emphasizes that the noble-minded person forgives despite having the power or capability to take revenge. This highlights the strength of character and self-control required to restrain oneself from seeking vengeance, even when it is within one's capacity to do so. It reflects the teachings of Islam, which encourage forgiveness and discourage retaliation.

The Hadith then states that the noble-minded person is

just in his rule.

This refers to the quality of being fair and equitable in matters of governance and leadership. It emphasizes the importance of justice in all aspects of life, including the exercise of authority. Islam places great emphasis on justice, as it is a fundamental principle that ensures harmony and social cohesion within a community.

The phrase (yakuffu isa'atahu) "يكف إساءته" means that the noble-minded person restrains their harm from others. This implies that they do not inflict harm or cause injury to others, even when they have the ability to do so. It highlights the importance of self-restraint and the avoidance of causing harm or distress to others, regardless of the circumstances.

Lastly, the Hadith states that the noble-minded person "bestows [favours] generously." This refers to their inclination to be generous and benevolent towards others. They are not only forgiving and just, but they also go above and beyond in their acts of kindness and generosity. This quality reflects the teachings of Islam, which encourage believers to be charitable and to help those in need.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 24:22)

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah. Rather, let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful

This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and generosity, especially towards relatives, the needy, and those who have migrated for the sake of Allah. It encourages believers to pardon and overlook the faults of others, reminding them of the forgiveness and mercy that Allah bestows upon His servants. By practicing forgiveness and generosity, Muslims can hope for Allah's forgiveness and mercy in return.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-A'raf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 42:40)

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers

This verse emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in Islam, stating that the punishment for an evil act is an equivalent evil. However, Allah encourages forgiveness and reconciliation, promising a reward for those who choose this path. It further emphasizes that Allah dislikes those who engage in wrongdoing.

In light of these Quranic verses and the exegesis of the Hadith, we can understand that the noble-minded person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), possesses qualities that are highly esteemed in Islam. They forgive despite having the power to seek revenge, they are just in their rule, they restrain their harm from others, and they bestow their favors generously. These qualities are rooted in the teachings of the Quran and serve as a guide for Muslims in their interactions with others.

By embodying these noble qualities, Muslims can contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society, reflecting the teachings of Islam and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to forgive, to be just, and to be generous in our dealings with others.