Hadith #4500

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, "بِالرِّفْقِ تَتِمُّ المُرُوءَةُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Through leniency, magnanimity is completed.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (rifq) "رِّفْقِ" in this Hadith refers to leniency, gentleness, and kindness. It encompasses a soft and compassionate approach towards others, treating them with tenderness and understanding. It is a quality that reflects the depth of one's character and the strength of their inner self.

To understand the significance of leniency, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness and gentleness in our interactions with others. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 159, Allah says,

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.

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) leniency towards his companions, which played a crucial role in maintaining unity and harmony among them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) to be lenient and forgiving towards the believers, saying,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of leniency in resolving conflicts and maintaining the strength of the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of leniency in completing one's magnanimity. Magnanimity refers to the quality of being generous, forgiving, and noble in character. It is the ability to rise above petty disputes and treat others with respect and dignity.

By practicing leniency, one can truly embody magnanimity. When we are lenient towards others, we demonstrate our ability to overlook their faults, forgive their mistakes, and treat them with kindness and compassion. This not only reflects our own noble character but also has a profound impact on the well-being and unity of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood that by practicing leniency, we create an environment of love and understanding, where individuals feel safe to express themselves and grow. This fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, strengthening the bonds of the community.

Moreover, when we are lenient towards others, we inspire them to reciprocate with kindness and compassion. Our actions have a ripple effect, influencing others to adopt the same noble qualities. This leads to a virtuous cycle of magnanimity, where individuals strive to outdo one another in acts of kindness and generosity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through leniency, magnanimity is completed. By embodying the quality of leniency, we not only enhance our own character but also contribute to the unity and well-being of the Muslim community. Let us strive to be gentle and kind in our interactions, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice leniency and complete our magnanimity.