Hadith #9218

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لايُكْرِمُ المَرْءُ نَفْسَهُ حَتّى يُهينَ مالَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the principle that a person cannot truly honor themselves unless they are willing to sacrifice their wealth.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (yukrimu) "يُكْرِمُ" means to honor, respect, or dignify oneself. It implies that true honor and nobility come from actions that elevate one's character and benefit others. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to oneself, indicating that this self-honoring must come from within, from a genuine desire to improve one's character and spiritual state. Finally, the word (yuhina) "يُهينَ" means to belittle, humiliate, or devalue. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies that one must be willing to diminish the importance of their wealth in order to truly honor themselves.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who, before them, had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and find no jealousy in their hearts for what they have been given, and give them preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and putting the needs of others before our own. It teaches us that true honor lies in sacrificing our own desires and possessions for the sake of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad (90:11-16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous, saying,

And have believed in the best outcome of their affairs. Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and [words of] peace. Abiding eternally therein. Excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers.

These verses emphasize the importance of having faith in Allah's plan and trusting in His wisdom. They remind us that true honor and reward come from patiently enduring hardships and striving to do good deeds, rather than clinging to worldly possessions.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It teaches us that true honor and nobility are not achieved through material wealth or possessions, but through selflessness and generosity. When we prioritize the needs of others over our own desires, we elevate our character and attain true honor in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and selflessness are well-known among Muslims. He was known to distribute his wealth to the poor and needy, even when he himself was in need. He understood that true honor lies in using one's wealth and resources to benefit others, rather than hoarding them for personal gain.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith are profound. By belittling our wealth and using it to serve others, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah, but we also cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment within ourselves. We realize that true wealth lies in the blessings of faith, good character, and the ability to positively impact the lives of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and nobility come from selflessness and generosity, rather than the accumulation of wealth. By sacrificing our material possessions for the sake of others, we elevate our character and attain true honor in the sight of Allah. May Allah guide us to embody the teachings of this Hadith and grant us the ability to prioritize the needs of others over our own desires.