Hadith #4903

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Be solemn when among the people and oft-remembering [of Allah and His bounties] when alone.

This wise utterance holds great wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their implications in light of the Quran.

The first word we will examine is (qurran) "قُوراً", which means solemn or dignified. This word signifies the importance of maintaining a respectful and dignified demeanor when in the company of others. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions, words, and behavior, ensuring that we uphold the values and teachings of Islam. This concept finds support in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

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.

The second word of significance is (dhikran) "ذَكُوراً", which means to remember or mention. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to remembering Allah and His bounties when alone. This highlights the importance of engaging in constant remembrance of Allah, seeking His forgiveness, and reflecting upon His blessings. The Quran emphasizes the significance of remembrance in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) instruction to be solemn when among the people and to remember Allah when alone carries profound implications. It teaches us the importance of maintaining a balance between our public and private lives, ensuring that our behavior and actions align with the teachings of Islam in all situations.

When we are in the company of others, being solemn reminds us to be respectful, kind, and considerate towards others. It encourages us to avoid engaging in idle talk, gossip, or any behavior that may harm or offend others. This aligns with the Quranic command in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

On the other hand, when we are alone, the instruction to remember Allah reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, seeking forgiveness, and expressing gratitude for His blessings. It encourages us to engage in acts of worship, such as reciting Quran, offering voluntary prayers, and making supplications. This aligns with the Quranic guidance in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) urges us to remember Him in humility and fear.

By following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance, we can cultivate a balanced and righteous lifestyle. Being solemn when among the people helps us maintain good character and uphold the values of Islam, while remembering Allah when alone strengthens our connection with Him and increases our spirituality. This practice not only benefits us individually but also has a positive impact on society as a whole, as it promotes harmony, kindness, and righteousness among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be solemn when among the people and to remember Allah when alone. By embodying these teachings, we can strive towards becoming better individuals and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and bless us with His guidance and mercy.