Hadith #375

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

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

كَفَاكَ أَدَباً لِنَفْسِكَ اجْتِنَابُ مَا تَكْرَهُهُ مِنْ غَيْرِكَ۔

This can be translated as,

It is enough for your own discipline that you abstain from what you dislike from others.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (adaban) "أَدَباً" in the Hadith refers to discipline, manners, and etiquette. It encompasses the moral and ethical conduct that one should possess in their interactions with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and self-control in dealing with situations where one may be tempted to react negatively or retaliate against others.

To further understand the significance of this teaching, we can 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 refraining from mocking, insulting, or belittling others. It reminds us that we should not judge or demean others based on our own perceptions or biases. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns with this Quranic teaching by urging us to abstain from engaging in actions that we dislike when they are directed towards us.

Another Quranic verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Repel evil with that which is better. We are best-acquainted with the things they say.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to negativity and harm with kindness, forgiveness, and good manners. It teaches us to rise above the negativity and to respond in a manner that reflects our higher moral values. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this teaching by reminding us that our own self-discipline and restraint are sufficient to counteract the negative actions of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate self-discipline and to control their reactions in the face of adversity. It encourages us to rise above our base instincts and respond with patience, forgiveness, and kindness. By doing so, we not only protect our own spiritual well-being but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this teaching through his own actions and words. His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, and he consistently demonstrated patience and forgiveness even in the most challenging circumstances. His ability to abstain from what he disliked from others is a testament to his extraordinary character and serves as an inspiration for all Muslims.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-discipline and self-control in our interactions with others. It aligns with the Quranic teachings of refraining from mocking, insulting, or belittling others, and encourages us to respond to negativity with kindness and forgiveness. By embodying these principles, we can strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives.