Hadith #11028

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ثَمَرَةُ الوَعْظِ الاِنْتِباهُ۔" This can be translated as,

The fruit of admonition is awareness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (wa'z) "وَعْظِ" in this Hadith refers to admonition or advice. It is a call to rectify oneself and others, to guide them towards the right path. The purpose of admonition is to awaken individuals from their heedlessness and make them conscious of their actions. It is a means to bring about awareness and understanding.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of admonition in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 44, Allah says,

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?

This verse highlights the need for self-reflection and self-improvement before advising others. It reminds us that admonition should begin with ourselves, as we cannot guide others if we are not on the right path.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 9, Allah says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of admonishing and rectifying the wrongdoings within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the need to promote justice and resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The fruit of admonition is awareness.

When we engage in sincere and effective admonition, it leads to a heightened sense of awareness. This awareness encompasses various aspects of our lives, including our relationship with Allah, our actions, and our interactions with others.

When we receive admonition, it serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of our responsibilities and the consequences of our actions. It prompts us to reflect on our behavior and make necessary changes. This awareness helps us to avoid falling into the traps of ignorance, arrogance, and heedlessness.

Moreover, the fruit of admonition is not limited to personal awareness. It extends to societal awareness as well. When we engage in constructive admonition within our communities, it leads to a collective consciousness and a sense of accountability. It fosters a culture of self-improvement, justice, and compassion.

For example, if we observe a fellow Muslim engaging in harmful behavior, such as backbiting or dishonesty, it is our duty to admonish them with wisdom and compassion. By doing so, we not only remind them of their obligations but also raise awareness within the community about the detrimental effects of such actions. This awareness can lead to a positive change in behavior and a more harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

The fruit of admonition is awareness,

emphasizes the transformative power of sincere and effective admonition. It reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and guiding others towards the right path. Through admonition, we can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness within ourselves and our communities, leading to a more conscious and righteous society. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and courage to engage in admonition with sincerity and compassion.