Hadith #2789

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of one's subjects and disregarding any offenses committed against oneself. Let us delve deeper into the exegesis of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first word of significance in this Hadith is (نُّبْلِ) "nubl", which translates to "nobility" or "excellence." It refers to a high moral standard and virtuous conduct. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that part of being noble is to be attentive and diligent in fulfilling the rights of those under one's authority or leadership.

This concept of fulfilling the rights of others is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of various individuals, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the need to speak kindly to people and to establish prayer and give charity. By fulfilling these rights, one demonstrates true nobility and righteousness.

The second significant word in the Hadith is (تَتَيَقَّظَ) "tatiyaqza", which means to be attentive, alert, and vigilant. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages leaders to be fully aware of the rights of their subjects and to actively strive to fulfill them. This includes being attentive to their needs, concerns, and grievances.

In Surah An-Nisa (4:58), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling trusts and judging with justice. It serves as a reminder to leaders that they have a responsibility to be attentive and just in their dealings with their subjects. By doing so, they uphold the principles of nobility and righteousness.

The third significant word in the Hadith is (تَتَغَابَى) "taghabba", which means to disregard or overlook. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises leaders to disregard any offenses committed against themselves. This does not mean condoning or ignoring wrongdoing, but rather forgiving and not seeking personal revenge.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to ignorance and wrongdoing with kindness and forgiveness. By disregarding offenses, leaders demonstrate their magnanimity and maintain a harmonious relationship with their subjects.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exhortation in this Hadith highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and forgiving their offenses. It reflects his profound wisdom and knowledge, as he understood the significance of these principles in maintaining a just and harmonious society.

By being attentive to the rights of their subjects and disregarding personal offenses, leaders can create an environment of trust, respect, and justice. This fosters unity and strengthens the bond between leaders and their subjects, leading to a prosperous and righteous society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and forgiving their offenses. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the need to be attentive, just, and forgiving in our interactions with others. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these noble qualities in our personal and societal lives, following the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.