Hadith #924

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us that in order to discipline ourselves, it is sufficient to refrain from engaging in actions that we dislike when done by others.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The key words in this Hadith are (mu'addiban) "مُؤدِّباً", which means "to discipline oneself," and (tajannubu) "تَجَنُّبُ", which means

to keep away from

or "to avoid." These words highlight the importance of self-restraint and self-regulation in our daily lives.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and avoiding sinful actions. In Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding immoral actions, even in their initial stages, in order to maintain self-discipline.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah advises us,

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 encourages us to refrain from mocking or insulting others, as it goes against the principles of self-discipline and respect for fellow human beings.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical application of these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that self-discipline begins with our own actions and reactions. By abstaining from engaging in actions that we dislike when done by others, we cultivate self-control and develop a sense of empathy and understanding towards others.

For example, if we dislike being lied to, we should refrain from lying to others. If we dislike being treated with disrespect, we should ensure that we treat others with kindness and respect. By aligning our actions with our values, we not only discipline ourselves but also contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society.

The consequences of practicing the advice given in this Hadith are far-reaching. By disciplining ourselves and avoiding actions that we dislike when done by others, we create an environment of mutual respect and understanding. This fosters stronger relationships, both within our families and communities. It also allows us to lead by example and inspire others to follow the path of self-discipline and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to discipline themselves by avoiding actions that they dislike when done by others. This advice aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of self-control and avoiding sinful actions. By practicing self-discipline, we not only improve ourselves but also contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to discipline ourselves and follow the path of righteousness.