Hadith #6721

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:

لاتَجْعَلْ عِرْضَكَ غَرَضاً لِقَوْلِ كُلِّ قائِل۔

This can be translated as:

Do not make your dignity a subject of the speech of every speaker [by engaging in shameful deeds].

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to protect their dignity and honor by not allowing every person's words to affect them. The word (your dignity) "عِرْضَكَ" refers to one's reputation, honor, and self-respect. It is a precious aspect of a person's character that should be safeguarded.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against making one's dignity a subject of discussion for every speaker. This implies that we should not engage in actions or behaviors that would diminish our honor or allow others to speak ill of us. By refraining from engaging in shameful deeds, we protect our reputation and maintain our self-respect.

This advice from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of guarding one's honor and dignity in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse highlights the importance of respecting others and refraining from mocking or insulting them. It reminds us that no one should consider themselves superior to others based on their own judgment. By refraining from engaging in such behavior, we protect our own dignity and honor, as well as the dignity and honor of others.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah says:

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages Muslims to speak in a manner that is best and most respectful. It reminds us that Satan seeks to create discord and conflict among people, and one way he does this is by manipulating our speech. By choosing our words wisely and speaking with kindness and respect, we protect our own dignity and prevent ourselves from falling into the traps of Satan.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is not only relevant in interpersonal interactions but also in the broader context of society. By upholding our dignity and refraining from engaging in shameful deeds, we contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our actions and behaviors have consequences, and they can either inspire others towards righteousness or lead them astray.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to protect their dignity and honor by refraining from engaging in shameful deeds. It emphasizes the importance of guarding our reputation and self-respect, as well as respecting the dignity and honor of others. By following this advice, we not only uphold the teachings of the Quran but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to adhere to this guidance.