Hadith #6918

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two virtues: overlooking despite having the power to punish, and doing good while possessing authority. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Overlook despite having power [to punish].

The word used here is (tajawaz) "تَجاوَزْ", which means to overlook or forgive. It implies refraining from seeking revenge or retribution, even when one has the ability to do so. This act of forgiveness is highly praised in Islam and is a characteristic of the righteous. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 42:37)

And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive.

This verse encourages Muslims to control their anger and forgive others, even in situations where they have the power to retaliate. By doing so, they demonstrate their ability to rise above their own emotions and show mercy and compassion towards others.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Do good while possessing authority.

The word used here is (ahsin) "أحْسِنْ", which means to do good or to excel in goodness. It implies using one's position of authority to benefit others and promote justice and righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 16:90)

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct.

This verse highlights the importance of using authority to establish justice and promote good conduct. It is the duty of those in positions of power to ensure fairness and equity for all individuals under their jurisdiction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that by practicing these virtues,

your mastery will become complete.

This means that by overlooking and forgiving despite having the power to punish, and by doing good while possessing authority, one attains a higher level of mastery and leadership. This mastery is not based on fear or coercion, but rather on the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified these virtues throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and ability to forgive and do good while in positions of authority are well-documented. He showed mercy and forgiveness even towards his enemies, such as when he spared the life of the man who had attacked him during the Battle of Khaybar.

By practicing these virtues, Muslims can create a society based on justice, compassion, and forgiveness. It fosters an environment where conflicts are resolved peacefully, and individuals are treated with fairness and respect. It also allows for personal growth and spiritual elevation, as one learns to overcome their own ego and desires in order to prioritize the well-being of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of overlooking despite having the power to punish and doing good while possessing authority. These virtues are rooted in the teachings of the Quran and exemplify the character of the righteous. By practicing these virtues, Muslims can establish a society based on justice, compassion, and forgiveness, and attain a higher level of mastery and leadership. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody these virtues in our lives.