Hadith #9407

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "اللَّجاجُ مَثارُ الحُرُوبِ" which translates to

Stubbornness is the provoker of hostilities.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great wisdom and can be further understood by analyzing its key words.

The word (al-lajaj) "اللَّجاجُ" refers to stubbornness or obstinacy. It signifies a strong resistance to change or a refusal to accept alternative viewpoints. Stubbornness can manifest in various forms, such as being rigid in one's opinions, being unwilling to compromise, or being resistant to constructive criticism.

The term (mathar) "مَثارُ" means the cause or instigator. It implies that stubbornness is not only a characteristic but also a catalyst for conflicts and hostilities. It suggests that when individuals or groups cling stubbornly to their own perspectives without considering the opinions of others, it can lead to disputes, animosity, and even wars.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of humility, open-mindedness, and the willingness to listen to others in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

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.

This verse encourages us to avoid arrogance and to recognize the potential wisdom and goodness in others, even if they differ from us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah advises,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding disputes and disagreements that can weaken the unity and strength of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of stubbornness. When individuals or groups become entrenched in their own opinions and refuse to consider alternative perspectives, it creates an environment of hostility and conflict. This can be seen in personal relationships, communities, and even on a global scale.

Stubbornness hinders progress and prevents the resolution of conflicts. It closes the doors of dialogue and understanding, leading to division and animosity. Conversely, embracing humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen can foster harmony, unity, and peaceful coexistence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of fostering harmonious relationships. By recognizing the dangers of stubbornness and actively striving to overcome it, Muslims can contribute to a more peaceful and united society.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to cultivate qualities such as humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen and understand. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in avoiding stubbornness and help us build bridges of understanding and unity among ourselves as Muslims.