Hadith #1357

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A believer is easy going, polite, approachable, and reliable.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first word we will explore is "mu'min" which means "believer." A believer is someone who has faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ), and follows the teachings of Islam. The Quran emphasizes the importance of being a true believer in numerous verses. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14),

The bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts.'

The next word to examine is "hayyin," which means "easy going" or "gentle." This implies that a believer should possess a calm and composed demeanor, avoiding unnecessary harshness or aggression. The Quran encourages believers to adopt a gentle approach in their interactions with others. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

The third word is "layyin," which means "polite" or "kind." A believer should exhibit kindness and politeness in their speech and conduct. The Quran emphasizes the importance of kindness in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to say,

Tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

The fourth word is "sahl," which means "approachable" or "accessible." A believer should be open and approachable, making themselves available to others for guidance, support, and assistance. The Quran highlights the importance of approachability in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

The final word is "mutaman," which means "reliable" or "trustworthy." A believer should be trustworthy and fulfill their commitments and responsibilities. The Quran emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the qualities that a believer should possess. By being easy going, polite, approachable, and reliable, a believer can create an environment of peace, harmony, and trust within the community. These qualities also reflect the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his vast knowledge and wisdom.

By embodying these qualities, Muslims can strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill their role as representatives of Islam. They can contribute to the betterment of society by fostering positive relationships, resolving conflicts peacefully, and upholding their responsibilities with integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of embodying the qualities of a believer. By being easy going, polite, approachable, and reliable, we can strive to create a harmonious and compassionate society, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate these qualities and be true believers.