Hadith #3390

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of using our actions and words to bring about positive change in others. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful saying .

The word (aslih) "أصلِح" in the Hadith means to reform or rectify. It implies the act of correcting someone's behavior or guiding them towards righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to accomplish this through our (husn fi'alik) "حُسْنِ فِعالِكَ", which refers to our good actions. Our actions should serve as a means of inspiration and motivation for others to abandon their wrongdoings and adopt virtuous behavior.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wadulla 'ala al-khayr bi jamil maqalik)

وَدُلَّ عَلَى الخَيْرِ بِجَميلِ مَقالِكَ

which translates to

and guide [others] towards good by your beautiful [and kind] words.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the power of our words in influencing others positively. Our speech should be characterized by beauty, kindness, and wisdom, as it can have a profound impact on those who hear it.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 41:

Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of [all] matters.

This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to promote righteousness and discourage evil. It is through our actions and words that we can fulfill this duty.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl, verse 125, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us:

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using wisdom and good instruction when inviting others to the path of righteousness. It is through our beautiful and kind words that we can effectively guide others towards good.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a call to action for Muslims. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to actively engage with those who are misguided or engaged in wrongdoing. Instead of resorting to harshness or judgment, we should strive to reform them through our own exemplary behavior and by using words that are gentle, compassionate, and persuasive.

By embodying the teachings of Islam and demonstrating the beauty of its principles through our actions, we can inspire others to follow suit. Our good deeds and kind words have the potential to transform hearts and lead individuals towards the path of righteousness. Conversely, harshness and negativity can push people further away from the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the power we possess to bring about positive change in others. Through our good actions and beautiful words, we can reform the evildoer and guide others towards goodness. Let us strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives, so that we may fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and be a source of inspiration for others.