Hadith #7961

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of advising and guiding our fellow Muslims, even if we notice a fault or a flaw in them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that nothing should prevent us from approaching our brothers and sisters in faith to help them rectify their faults, except for the fear that they may notice a similar fault in us.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in the light of the Quran. The word (ma) "ما" in the beginning of the Hadith is used in a general sense, indicating that there is no valid reason or excuse for not advising our fellow Muslims. It is our duty as believers to guide and support one another on the path of righteousness.

The phrase (an yalqā akhāhu bimā yakrahū min 'aybihi)

أَنْ يَلْقَىٰ أَخَاهُ بِمَا يَكْرَهُ مِنْ عَيْبِهِ

refers to meeting our brother or sister in faith and addressing the fault or flaw that we have observed in them. This highlights the importance of sincere advice and constructive criticism in the context of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then mentions the fear that prevents us from fulfilling this duty, which is the fear of being confronted with a similar fault. This fear arises from the recognition that we are not perfect and may also have shortcomings. It serves as a reminder that we should approach others with humility and compassion, recognizing our own vulnerabilities.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that this reluctance to advise others stems from the fact that we have become engrossed in the love of this transient world and have neglected the Hereafter. This statement highlights the importance of prioritizing our eternal life over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

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. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating one another with respect and avoiding ridicule or insult. It encourages us to recognize the potential for goodness in others, even if we notice their faults. It reminds us that our focus should be on our own repentance and self-improvement, rather than pointing fingers at others.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions about our fellow Muslims. It cautions against engaging in backbiting or spying on others, as these actions are akin to consuming the flesh of a dead brother. It reminds us to fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His forgiveness, as He is the Most Merciful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to fulfill their duty of advising and guiding one another, even if it means addressing their faults. It emphasizes the importance of approaching others with humility and compassion, recognizing our own imperfections. By doing so, we can foster a culture of growth and self-improvement within the Muslim community, while also strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in fulfilling this responsibility and grant us the wisdom to support and uplift one another.