Hadith #957

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully compares the behavior of a bee to the ideal conduct that Muslims should strive for. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be like the bee, which only consumes what is good, produces what is good, and does not harm or destroy anything it comes into contact with.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith. The word (nahlati) "نَحْلَةِ" refers to a bee, which is known for its industriousness, organization, and ability to produce honey. The word (akalat) "أَكَلَتْ" means to eat or consume, and (tayyiban) "طَيِّبًا" means what is good or pure. Similarly, (wada'at) "وَضَعَتْ" means to secrete or produce, and (waqa'at) "وَقَعَتْ" means to sit or land. The word (ud) "عُود" refers to a twig or branch, and (lam tukassirhu) "لَمْ تُكَسِّرْهُ" means it does not break it.

To understand the wise message behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168),

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of consuming what is lawful and good, just as the bee only consumes nectar from flowers that are pure and free from impurities. Muslims are encouraged to be conscious of the source and quality of their food, ensuring that it is halal (lawful) and tayyib (good).

Furthermore, the Quran also highlights the importance of producing what is good and beneficial. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse encourages Muslims to give in charity from what is good and pure, just as the bee produces honey that is beneficial to others.

The final part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of not causing harm or destruction. Just as the bee lands on a twig without breaking it, Muslims are reminded to interact with the world around them in a gentle and considerate manner. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:108),

And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.

This verse teaches us to be respectful and tolerant towards others, even if they hold different beliefs or worship other than Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to adopt the qualities of the bee in their daily lives. We should strive to consume what is lawful and good, produce what is beneficial, and interact with others in a gentle and considerate manner. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can become individuals who bring goodness and harmony to the world around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and be a source of blessings for others.