Hadith #2522

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالإفْضالِ تُسْتَرُ العُيُوبُ۔" This can be translated as,

By conferring favours [to others], [one’s] faults are hidden.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (ifdāl) "إفْضال" refers to conferring favors or showing kindness to others. It involves going beyond what is expected or required, and treating others with generosity and benevolence. (tustar) "تُسْتَرُ" means to conceal or hide. And (al-'uyūb) "العُيُوبُ" refers to faults or shortcomings.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can 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 treating others with respect and refraining from mocking or belittling them. By conferring favors upon others, we demonstrate kindness and generosity, which in turn leads to the concealment of their faults. When we focus on the positive aspects of individuals and show them kindness, we create an environment of love and understanding.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah An-Nur (24:22), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages us to be forgiving and overlook the faults of others. By extending our help and support to those in need, we not only conceal their faults but also earn the forgiveness and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through acts of kindness and generosity that we create a harmonious society where faults are overlooked and individuals are given the opportunity to grow and improve.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the power of conferring favors upon others. When we choose to focus on the positive aspects of individuals and treat them with kindness, their faults are concealed, and a sense of unity and compassion is fostered within the community.

By practicing the teachings of this Hadith, we can create an atmosphere of love and understanding, where individuals are encouraged to grow and improve without fear of judgment or ridicule. Let us strive to be people who confer favors upon others, for in doing so, we not only hide their faults but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the spirit of this Hadith and treat others with kindness and generosity.