Hadith #726

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

تناسَ مَساوِىَ الإخوانِ، تستَدِمْ وُدَّهُمْ۔

This can be translated as:

Pretend to have forgotten the bad actions of your brothers and their affection [towards you] will last longer.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (tanas) "تناسَ" means to pretend or act as if something has been forgotten. It is a call to overlook the faults and shortcomings of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. The word (masawiya) "مَساوِىَ" refers to bad actions or wrongdoings. And the word (ikhwan) "إخوانِ" means brothers, indicating the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and overlooking the faults of others. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. 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 teaches us to avoid mocking or belittling others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to show respect and kindness towards one another, even if we have differences or disagreements. By doing so, we can foster a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement further highlights the importance of forgiving and forgetting the wrongdoings of our fellow Muslims. By pretending to have forgotten their bad actions, we can maintain and strengthen the bonds of affection and love between us. This approach promotes a positive and harmonious atmosphere within the community, where forgiveness and understanding prevail.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages us to control our anger and forgive others, as it is an act of righteousness that is beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we choose to overlook the faults of our brothers and sisters, we demonstrate patience, compassion, and a desire for unity. This not only strengthens our relationships but also earns the pleasure and love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards others. It urges us to adopt a forgiving and compassionate approach, even when faced with hurtful or unjust behavior. By doing so, we can contribute to the creation of a harmonious and loving community, where forgiveness and understanding are valued.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of pretending to have forgotten the bad actions of our brothers and sisters in Islam. By doing so, we can nurture and maintain strong bonds of affection and love within the Muslim community. This approach aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize forgiveness, patience, and unity among believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for unity and forgiveness in our interactions with others.