Hadith #8341

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to

breathe before the necks are strangled, and yield before being driven violently.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its deeper implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tanaffasoo) "تَنَفَّسُوا" means to breathe or take a breath, while (dhiq al-khinaq) "ضيقِ الخِناقِ" refers to the constriction or tightening of the necks. Similarly, (inqaadu) "انْقادُوا" means to yield or submit, and (unf al-siyaq) "عُنْفِ السِّياقِ" refers to the forceful driving or coercion.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony and resolving conflicts among believers. It encourages us to breathe, to take a step back, and to seek peaceful resolutions before tensions escalate and relationships are strained.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction.

This verse cautions against rushing into situations without careful consideration, as it may lead to harm and destruction. It encourages us to yield, to be patient, and to exercise restraint before being driven to act impulsively or violently.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize peace, harmony, and restraint in their interactions with others. It urges us to take a moment to breathe and reflect before allowing conflicts to escalate. By doing so, we can prevent the tightening of relationships, the straining of bonds, and the potential harm that may result.

In practical terms, this Hadith encourages us to engage in active listening, empathy, and dialogue when faced with disagreements or conflicts. It reminds us to seek peaceful resolutions, to compromise, and to yield when necessary, rather than resorting to force or violence. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can foster unity, understanding, and compassion within the Muslim community and beyond.

Let us reflect on the wisdom of this Hadith and strive to embody its teachings in our daily lives. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to breathe, yield, and seek peaceful resolutions in all our interactions, and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.