Hadith #4312

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ لَمْ يَرْحَمْ لَمْ يُرْحَمْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who shows no mercy will be shown no mercy.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of mercy in the life of a Muslim.

The word (rahim) "رحم" in this Hadith is derived from the root word (rahmah) "رحمة", which means mercy. Mercy is a fundamental attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as He is described as (Ar-Rahman) "الرَّحْمَٰنُ", the Most Merciful, and (Ar-Raheem) "الرَّحِيمُ", the Most Compassionate. Allah's mercy encompasses all of creation, and it is through His mercy that we are given countless blessings and opportunities for forgiveness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that if we fail to show mercy to others, we cannot expect to receive mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is reinforced in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143:

(Quran 2:143)

Thus, We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of the Messenger (ﷺ) and being a just community. It also emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is Kind and Merciful to the people. Therefore, as Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to reflect this mercy in our interactions with others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 8:46)

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse encourages us to obey Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) and to avoid disputes that can lead to the loss of strength and courage. Instead, we are advised to be patient, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is with those who are patient. Showing mercy and avoiding disputes are interconnected, as disputes often arise from a lack of mercy and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that mercy is not only a quality that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) possesses, but it is also a quality that we, as Muslims, should strive to embody. By showing mercy to others, we not only fulfill a fundamental aspect of our faith but also open ourselves up to receiving the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this life and the hereafter.

When we show mercy to others, we create an environment of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. This has far-reaching consequences, as it promotes unity, harmony, and peace within our communities. Conversely, when we fail to show mercy, we contribute to a cycle of animosity, resentment, and discord.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement should motivate us to reflect on our own actions and interactions with others. Are we truly embodying the mercy that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) expects from us? Are we quick to forgive and show compassion, or do we hold grudges and seek revenge? It is through self-reflection and self-improvement that we can strive to become better Muslims and fulfill the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mercy in the life of a Muslim. By showing mercy to others, we not only fulfill a fundamental aspect of our faith but also open ourselves up to receiving the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to embody this quality in our interactions with others, creating an environment of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of mercy and grant us His infinite mercy in this life and the hereafter.