Hadith #7938

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights a common human tendency. He states,

Those with faults love to spread the faults of people so that they get a greater excuse for their own faults.

This Hadith sheds light on the negative behavior of individuals who have their own shortcomings but find solace in highlighting the flaws of others.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The Arabic word (dhawu) "ذَوُوا" refers to those who possess or have faults. (al-'uyub) "العُيُوبِ" translates to faults or imperfections. (yuhibbun) "يُحِبُّونَ" means to love or have a fondness for. (ishaa'ata) "إشاعَةَ" means to spread or propagate. (maa'ib) "مَعائِبِ" refers to the faults or shortcomings. (an-naas) "النّاسِ" means people or individuals. (liyattasia) "لِيَتَّسِعَ" translates to expand or widen. (lahum) "لَهُمُ" means for them. (al-'udhr) "العُذْرُ" refers to an excuse. (fi) "في" means in or within. (maa'ibihim) "مَعائِبِهِمْ" translates to their own faults.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 refraining from ridiculing or mocking others. It reminds us that we should not belittle or spread the faults of others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we not only engage in sinful behavior but also expose our own weaknesses and shortcomings.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith 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 and backbiting. It draws a powerful analogy, stating that just as one would detest consuming the flesh of their deceased brother, they should also detest engaging in backbiting or spreading the faults of others. By doing so, we not only harm others but also tarnish our own souls.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and focus on self-improvement rather than indulging in the faults of others. It urges us to be mindful of our own shortcomings and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instead of searching for excuses through the faults of others.

By understanding and implementing the teachings of this Hadith, we can foster a culture of compassion, forgiveness, and self-reflection within the Muslim community. We should strive to uplift one another, support each other's growth, and refrain from spreading the faults of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to purify our hearts from such negative behaviors.