Hadith #3499

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,

لِكُلِّ قادِم حَيْرَةٌ فَابْسُطُوهُ بِالكَلامِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of providing comfort and solace to those who are in a state of perplexity or confusion. The word (qaadim) "قادِم" refers to someone who arrives or comes to a particular place or situation. The word (hayrah) "حَيْرَةٌ" translates to perplexity or confusion. And the phrase (fabsutoohu bilkalam) "فَابْسُطُوهُ بِالكَلامِ" means to make them comfortable with kind words.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words to people, which aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith. By using kind and comforting words, we can alleviate the perplexity and confusion that individuals may experience upon arriving in a new situation or facing a challenging circumstance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the importance of choosing our words wisely and speaking that which is best. By doing so, we can counteract the negative influence of Satan, who seeks to create discord and confusion among people. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to use our words to bring comfort and ease to others, thereby promoting unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In practical terms, this Hadith teaches us the importance of empathy and compassion. When someone arrives in a new place or finds themselves in a state of confusion, it is our duty as Muslims to extend a helping hand and provide them with kind words of comfort. By doing so, we not only alleviate their perplexity but also create an environment of love, support, and understanding.

For example, imagine a person who has just migrated to a new country. They may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their new surroundings. In such a situation, it is our responsibility to reach out to them, offer assistance, and provide comforting words that reassure them and make them feel welcomed. By doing so, we embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill the Quranic command to speak good words.

Conversely, if we neglect to provide comfort and solace to those who are in a state of perplexity, we risk alienating them and causing further confusion and distress. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of unity, compassion, and support within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of using kind words to comfort and support those who are in a state of perplexity or confusion. By doing so, we embody the teachings of the Quran, which instruct us to speak good words and establish harmony within the Muslim community. Let us strive to be individuals who provide comfort and solace to others, thereby fulfilling our duty as Muslims and followers of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).