Hadith #916

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 good etiquette as the best inheritance that parents can leave for their children. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" in the Hadith refers to goodness, excellence, and virtue. It encompasses all that is beneficial and righteous. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the moral and ethical values that parents should instill in their children. This includes traits such as kindness, honesty, humility, patience, and respect for others.

The word (waratha) "وَرَّثَ" means to inherit or bequeath. Here, it signifies the passing down of values, teachings, and behaviors from parents to their children. Just as material wealth can be inherited, the Hadith highlights that the most valuable inheritance parents can leave for their children is good etiquette.

The word (al-abaa) "الآباءُ" refers to parents, both the father and the mother. It emphasizes the joint responsibility of both parents in nurturing and guiding their children towards righteousness.

The word (al-abnaa) "الأبناءَ" refers to children, encompassing sons and daughters. It emphasizes that this inheritance of good etiquette is applicable to all children, regardless of their gender.

The word (al-adab) "الأدبُ" refers to good etiquette, manners, and moral conduct. It encompasses all aspects of proper behavior and interactions with others. Good etiquette includes treating others with kindness, speaking respectfully, fulfilling obligations, and upholding moral values.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of good etiquette and moral conduct. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the best among us are those who possess righteousness, which includes good etiquette and moral conduct. It is through our interactions with others, treating them with respect and kindness, that we can truly understand and appreciate the diversity of humanity.

Another verse that supports the importance of good etiquette is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:23):

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating parents with kindness and respect, even in their old age. It teaches us to speak to them in a gentle and honorable manner, reflecting the good etiquette that should be ingrained within us.

The consequences of parents bequeathing good etiquette to their children are far-reaching. When children are raised with good manners, they become individuals who contribute positively to society. They become compassionate, empathetic, and respectful individuals who uphold justice and promote harmony in their communities.

Moreover, good etiquette fosters strong family bonds and relationships. When family members treat each other with kindness and respect, it creates a nurturing and loving environment. This, in turn, strengthens the family unit and allows for the growth and development of each individual within it.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense responsibility parents have in shaping the character and behavior of their children. It is through their guidance, teachings, and personal example that children learn the importance of good etiquette. Parents must strive to embody these values themselves and consistently reinforce them in their children's lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of good etiquette as the best inheritance parents can leave for their children. It emphasizes the importance of instilling moral values, kindness, and respect in our children. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of society and foster strong family bonds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be exemplary parents and leave a legacy of good etiquette for our children.