Hadith #9231

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

عَلَيْكَ بِمَكَارِمِ الْخِلَالِ وَاصْطِنَاعِ الرِّجَالِ فَإِنَّهُمَا يَقِيَانِ مَصَارِعَ السَّوْءِ وَيُوجِبَانِ الْجَلَالَةَ

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of acquiring noble traits and doing good to others, as these two actions serve as a safeguard against falling into difficulties and lead to a state of loftiness.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "مَكَارِمِ الْخِلَالِ" refers to noble traits or virtues that one should strive to acquire. These noble traits include honesty, kindness, patience, generosity, forgiveness, and many others. "اصْطِنَاعِ الرِّجَالِ" refers to doing good to people, treating them with kindness, and engaging in acts of benevolence. It encompasses acts such as helping the needy, supporting the oppressed, and being compassionate towards others.

The Hadith highlights the benefits of practicing these two actions. It states that they protect one from falling into difficulties and lead to loftiness. This means that by acquiring noble traits and doing good to others, a person is shielded from the negative consequences of their own actions and is elevated to a higher spiritual and moral state.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 the importance of knowing and recognizing one another, and it highlights that the most noble among us are those who possess righteousness. Acquiring noble traits and doing good to others aligns perfectly with the concept of righteousness mentioned in this verse. It is through these actions that we can truly know and understand one another, fostering unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cooperation in acts of righteousness and piety. By acquiring noble traits and doing good to others, we are actively cooperating in righteousness, which leads to the betterment of society as a whole.

The consequences of practicing the teachings of this Hadith are far-reaching. By acquiring noble traits, we not only improve our own character but also positively impact the lives of those around us. Our actions can inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of goodness and righteousness within the Muslim community and society at large. Additionally, by doing good to others, we contribute to the well-being and happiness of those in need, fostering a sense of compassion and unity among Muslims.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the profound wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His emphasis on acquiring noble traits and doing good to others highlights the importance of character development and social responsibility in Islam. It serves as a reminder that true success lies not only in our personal achievements but also in our ability to positively impact the lives of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to acquire noble traits and do good to others. By doing so, we protect ourselves from difficulties and elevate our spiritual and moral state. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings of righteousness, cooperation, and compassion. It serves as a reminder of the importance of character development and social responsibility in Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these noble traits and engage in acts of goodness for the betterment of ourselves and our communities.