Hadith #6708

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "اَلاِعْتِذارُ(الاِعْتِبارُ) مُنْذِرٌ ناصِحٌ۔" This can be translated as

Seeking pardon (or taking lesson) is a sincere warner.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (i'thizar) "اعتذار" comes from the root word (u'dhur) "عذر", which means seeking pardon or forgiveness. It implies acknowledging one's mistakes or shortcomings and seeking forgiveness from Allah and others. The word (munzir) "منذر" means a warner or admonisher, someone who advises and cautions others sincerely and genuinely.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking pardon and refraining from ridiculing or insulting others. It emphasizes the need for Muslims to treat one another with respect and kindness, recognizing that no one is perfect and that everyone has the potential for goodness. Seeking pardon not only allows us to rectify our mistakes, but it also serves as a reminder to others to avoid similar errors.

Another verse that aligns with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. Seeking pardon requires us to refrain from making assumptions about others and instead approach them with an open heart and mind. It encourages us to be sincere in our interactions and to avoid harming others through our words or actions.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see that seeking pardon is not merely an act of apologizing or seeking forgiveness. It is a profound and transformative process that serves as a sincere warning to ourselves and others. When we seek pardon, we acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and strive to become better individuals. By doing so, we become a source of guidance and admonishment for others, inspiring them to reflect on their own actions and seek improvement.

The consequences of seeking pardon are far-reaching. It fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community, as it encourages forgiveness and understanding. It promotes self-accountability and personal growth, as it motivates individuals to rectify their mistakes and strive for excellence. Moreover, seeking pardon strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it demonstrates our humility and reliance on His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that seeking pardon is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of strength and sincerity. It serves as a sincere warning to ourselves and others, reminding us to reflect on our actions and seek improvement. By seeking pardon, we foster unity, promote personal growth, and strengthen our relationship with Allah. May Allah guide us all to seek pardon sincerely and continuously, and may He grant us the ability to be sincere warners to ourselves and others.