Hadith #76

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

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

قِيمَةُ كُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا يُحْسِنُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The worth of every man is in his attainments.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (qiimatu) "قِيمَةُ" in this Hadith refers to the value or worth of an individual. It signifies the importance and significance that a person holds in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a measure of a person's character, actions, and achievements.

The word (kulli) "كُلِّ" means every or each. It emphasizes that this principle applies to every individual, regardless of their background, social status, or abilities. It highlights the universal nature of this concept, as every person has the potential to achieve greatness and contribute positively to society.

The word (amri'in) "امْرِئٍ" refers to a person or an individual. It encompasses both men and women, emphasizing that this principle applies to all human beings. It recognizes the inherent worth and potential within each person, regardless of gender.

The word (ma) "مَا" in this Hadith can be translated as what or that which. It refers to the actions, qualities, and achievements of a person. It signifies that the worth of an individual lies in the goodness they bring forth through their actions, intentions, and accomplishments.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us 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 emphasizes that the worth of an individual is not determined by their lineage, wealth, or worldly possessions. Rather, it is based on their righteousness and piety. The most noble and honorable person in the sight of Allah is the one who possesses the highest level of righteousness, regardless of their background or social status.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also states,

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. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of not judging others based on superficial criteria. It reminds us that true worth lies in the character and actions of an individual. We should refrain from ridiculing or belittling others, as we do not know the true worth and potential that they possess in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence and making positive contributions to society. It encourages individuals to focus on their personal growth, knowledge, and accomplishments. It reminds us that our worth is not determined by external factors, but rather by the goodness we bring into the world.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to continuously improve themselves and seek knowledge. It encourages us to develop our skills, talents, and abilities to their fullest potential. By doing so, we can make a positive impact on our communities and fulfill our purpose in life.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the consequences of our actions. Our attainments, whether good or bad, have an impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us. Our actions can inspire others and lead them towards righteousness, or they can have negative consequences and lead others astray.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be individuals who bring goodness, knowledge, and positive change to the world. We should continuously seek self-improvement and strive to make a difference in the lives of others. By doing so, we can fulfill our purpose and attain true worth in the sight of Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to attain true worth through our actions and accomplishments. May we continuously seek knowledge and strive to make a positive impact on our communities. Ameen.