Hadith #9349

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It is from the greatest vileness for a man to protect himself while surrendering his wife.

This statement highlights the importance of safeguarding one's spouse and the reprehensibility of neglecting their rights and well-being.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (ihrāz) "إحْرازُ" means to protect or safeguard, while (lūm) "اللُّؤْمِ" refers to vileness or wrongdoing. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" signifies oneself, and (islāmuhu) "إسْلامُهُ" refers to surrendering or submitting. Lastly, (ʿirsahu) "عِرْسَهُ" denotes one's wife.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of one's spouse and treating them with kindness and respect. It condemns the act of protecting oneself while neglecting the well-being and rights of one's wife. Islam places great emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the responsibilities that come with it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 30:21)

And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Surely, there are signs in this for those who reflect.

This verse highlights the importance of love, mercy, and tranquility in a marital relationship. It emphasizes the need for both spouses to protect and support each other, rather than prioritizing their own interests at the expense of their partner's well-being.

Furthermore, the Quran instructs husbands to treat their wives with kindness and fairness:

(Quran 4:19)

And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.

This verse reminds us of the importance of treating our spouses with kindness, even if we may have personal dislikes or disagreements. It encourages us to look beyond our own preferences and prioritize the well-being and happiness of our partners.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that protecting oneself at the expense of one's spouse is a grave injustice. It highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of our partners and prioritizing their well-being. Neglecting these responsibilities not only harms the marital relationship but also goes against the teachings of Islam.

When a husband neglects his wife's rights and fails to protect her, it can lead to a breakdown in trust, emotional distress, and a sense of abandonment. This can have severe consequences on the overall well-being of both individuals and the stability of the family unit. It is essential for Muslims to reflect on this Hadith and strive to fulfill their obligations towards their spouses.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam. His words carry great weight and serve as a guiding light for Muslims. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and respect within our marriages.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the reprehensibility of protecting oneself while neglecting the rights and well-being of one's spouse. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the needs and happiness of their partners, and to fulfill their responsibilities within the marital relationship. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in upholding the sanctity of marriage and treating our spouses with love, kindness, and respect.