Hadith #3103

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما لا يَنْبَغي أنْ تَفْعَلَهُ فيِ الْجَهْرِ فَلا تَفْعَلْهُ فيِ السِّرِّ۔

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of consistency in our actions, whether they are performed openly or in secret.

Let us first examine the key words in this hadith. The word (yanbaghi) "يَنْبَغِي" means "appropriate" or "befitting." It implies that there are certain actions that are not suitable for a person to engage in openly. The word (fa'ala) "فَعَلَ" means "to do" or "to perform." The word (jahri) "جَهْرِ" refers to actions done openly or in public. And the word (sirri) "سِرِّ" refers to actions done in secret or privately.

To understand the deeper meaning 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 avoiding actions that may lead to ridicule or harm to others. It teaches us to be mindful of our words and actions, both in public and in private. Just as we are instructed not to insult or ridicule others openly, we should also refrain from doing so in secret. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith, emphasizing the need for consistency in our behavior.

Another verse that supports the message of this hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us of the importance of upholding justice and fairness in all our actions, regardless of whether they are done openly or in secret. It urges us not to let personal biases or animosity towards others hinder us from being just. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith, as it encourages us to maintain consistency in our behavior and not to engage in actions privately that we would not do openly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold integrity and righteousness in all aspects of their lives. It teaches us that our actions should be consistent, reflecting our true character and values, whether they are performed openly or in secret. By adhering to this principle, we can strive to be individuals of integrity, earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the respect of others.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be consistent in our actions, ensuring that what is not appropriate to do openly should not be done in secret. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of justice, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to be consistent in our words and deeds.