Hadith #760

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

إمحَضْ أخاكَ النَّصِيحَةَ حسَنَةً كانَتْ أو(أم) قَبيحَةً۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Be sincere in giving your brother advice whether [he finds it] courteous or offensive.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (imhadh) "إمحَضْ" means to sincerely and wholeheartedly give advice. It emphasizes the importance of offering counsel with pure intentions, seeking the betterment of one's brother or sister in faith. The term (an-nasīhah) "النَّصِيحَةَ" refers to sincere advice, counsel, or guidance that is given for the sake of Allah and the well-being of others. It encompasses both verbal and non-verbal acts of advising and admonishing.

This Hadith highlights the significance of offering sincere advice to our fellow Muslims, regardless of whether they perceive it as courteous or offensive. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters in faith over their temporary feelings or ego. This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincere advice and counsel among believers.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Asr, 103:3):

And enjoin upon one another the doing of what is right and just, and enjoin upon one another patience in adversity.

This verse emphasizes the duty of Muslims to advise and encourage one another to do good and righteous deeds. It highlights the importance of offering sincere advice to our fellow believers, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who reminds us to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters in faith.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (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 brotherhood and unity among believers. It encourages Muslims to reconcile and settle disputes among themselves, always keeping in mind the fear of Allah and seeking His mercy. Offering sincere advice to our brothers and sisters is an essential aspect of maintaining this unity and fostering a sense of brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that sincere advice, whether it is well-received or not, has profound consequences. By offering sincere advice, we fulfill our duty as believers and contribute to the growth and development of our fellow Muslims. It is a means of purifying our intentions and seeking the pleasure of Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Even if our advice is initially met with resistance or offense, it may eventually lead to positive change and spiritual growth.

For example, if we notice a fellow Muslim engaging in a harmful behavior or straying from the path of righteousness, it is our duty to offer sincere advice, even if it may be uncomfortable or challenging. By doing so, we demonstrate our genuine concern for their well-being and their relationship with Allah. Our advice may serve as a wake-up call, prompting them to reflect on their actions and make positive changes in their lives.

On the other hand, if we fail to offer sincere advice, we may be neglecting our duty as believers and allowing our brothers and sisters to continue on a detrimental path. By withholding sincere advice, we risk enabling harmful behavior and hindering the spiritual growth of our fellow Muslims. Therefore, it is crucial that we approach advising others with sincerity and compassion, always seeking the betterment of our brothers and sisters in faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of offering sincere advice to our fellow Muslims, regardless of their initial reaction. It emphasizes the duty of believers to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of their brothers and sisters in faith. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can contribute to the unity and development of the Muslim community, seeking the pleasure of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and the betterment of our fellow believers. May Allah grant us the wisdom and compassion to fulfill this duty with sincerity and humility.