Hadith #4510

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

لِيَكُنْ أحْظَى النَّاسِ عِندَكَ أعْمَلَهُمْ بِالرِّفقِ۔

This can be translated as,

Let the most favoured of people in your sight be the one who is the most lenient in his actions.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of kindness, gentleness, and leniency in our interactions with others. The word "أعْمَلَهُمْ" refers to one's actions or deeds, while "الرِّفقِ" means leniency, gentleness, or kindness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion in our dealings with others. In Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 107, Allah says,

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a role model of mercy for all of humanity. Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 159, Allah instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) by saying,

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

These verses from the Quran emphasize the importance of leniency and kindness in our interactions with others. They highlight the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the epitome of mercy and gentleness. Following in his footsteps, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prioritize leniency and kindness in our actions towards others.

When we embody leniency and gentleness in our actions, we create an environment of love, understanding, and compassion. Our relationships become stronger, and conflicts are resolved with ease. By treating others with kindness, we are more likely to be favored by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earn His blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also reminds us of the consequences of our actions. If we are harsh, rude, or unkind towards others, we risk pushing them away and causing division. On the other hand, if we approach others with leniency and gentleness, we can foster unity and harmony within our communities.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to reflect on our own behavior and strive for self-improvement. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions and to constantly seek ways to be more lenient and gentle towards others. This requires self-awareness, empathy, and a genuine desire to treat others with kindness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize leniency and kindness in our actions towards others. By embodying these qualities, we not only follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, but we also create an atmosphere of love, understanding, and compassion within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be the most favored in His sight through our acts of leniency and kindness.