Hadith #3244

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best character is the one that is furthest from obstinacy.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having good character and highlights the virtue of avoiding stubbornness and obstinacy in our interactions with others.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" means "best" or "excellent." It signifies the highest level of goodness and virtue. (al-akhlaq) "الأخْلاقِ" refers to one's character, manners, and behavior. It encompasses all aspects of a person's conduct and how they interact with others. (abaduha) "أبْعَدُها" means "the furthest" or "the most distant." It implies that the best character is the one that is farthest away from (al-lajaj) "اللَّجاجِ", which can be translated as obstinacy, stubbornness, or contentiousness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

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. 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 treating others with respect and avoiding ridicule or insult. It teaches us to refrain from belittling others based on our own assumptions or biases. By doing so, we distance ourselves from obstinacy and cultivate a character that is based on humility and kindness.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:37), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse reminds us of the importance of humility and modesty in our interactions with others. It advises against arrogance and pride, which are traits associated with obstinacy. By adopting a humble demeanor, we distance ourselves from obstinacy and cultivate a character that is grounded in humility and self-awareness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for the best character and to avoid obstinacy. When we distance ourselves from obstinacy, we open ourselves up to growth and improvement. We become more receptive to differing opinions and are willing to engage in constructive dialogue. This fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community and promotes a culture of understanding and respect.

Furthermore, avoiding obstinacy allows us to build stronger relationships with others. It enables us to empathize with their perspectives and find common ground. By embodying the best character, we become ambassadors of Islam, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of cultivating the best character by distancing ourselves from obstinacy. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize humility, respect, and avoiding arrogance. By embodying these qualities, we can foster unity, strengthen our relationships, and become true ambassadors of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying the best character and grant us the wisdom to avoid obstinacy.