Hadith #9745

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.

In this hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides guidance on six types of people with whom one should not engage in disputes. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The first type mentioned is "al-faqih," which refers to a jurist or a person who possesses deep knowledge and understanding of Islamic jurisprudence. The second type is "ar-ra'is," which means a leader or a person in authority. The third type is "ad-dunya," which signifies those who are worldly-minded and prioritize material gains over spiritual matters. The fourth type is "al-badhi," which refers to someone who is lewd or immoral. The fifth type is "al-mar'ah," which means a woman. And finally, the sixth type is "as-sabiyy," which refers to a child or a young person.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's guidance, let us turn to the Quran for further insight. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am, verse 68:

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding disputes with those who engage in offensive discourse about the signs of Allah. By turning away from such individuals, we protect ourselves from being drawn into unnecessary arguments and potential harm to our faith.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 3, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, successful are the believers who are humble in their prayers.

This verse highlights the significance of humility in our worship. Engaging in disputes with individuals who possess knowledge, authority, or worldly desires can lead to arrogance and a lack of humility in our interactions.

Imam Ali's guidance serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize peace, harmony, and the preservation of their faith. By avoiding disputes with jurists, leaders, those who prioritize worldly gains, the lewd, women, and children, we maintain a sense of respect and dignity in our interactions.

For instance, when it comes to jurists, engaging in disputes may lead to confusion and misunderstanding of complex legal matters. Instead, it is more appropriate to seek clarification and guidance from them in a respectful manner.

Similarly, disputes with leaders can disrupt social harmony and hinder the progress of the community. It is important to address concerns and grievances through proper channels and with wisdom, rather than engaging in confrontations that may lead to further division.

Regarding the lowly and lewd individuals, engaging in disputes with them may only serve to perpetuate their negative behavior. Instead, it is better to distance ourselves from such individuals and strive to uphold moral values and virtues.

As for women and children, Imam Ali's guidance reminds us of the importance of treating them with kindness, compassion, and understanding. Engaging in disputes with them may cause harm and damage relationships, which goes against the teachings of Islam that emphasize the protection and care of these vulnerable groups.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's guidance in this hadith encourages Muslims to avoid disputes with specific types of individuals in order to maintain peace, preserve their faith, and uphold the values of Islam. By turning away from arguments and engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue, we can foster a harmonious and united community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow this guidance and protect us from unnecessary disputes.