Hadith #4914

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of spreading the greeting of peace, Salām, among Muslims. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the person who withholds or is stingy with their Salām as the most miserly of people. To fully understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (bakhīla) "بَخِلَ" in Arabic means to be miserly or stingy. It refers to someone who withholds or refrains from giving or sharing something that is expected or customary. In this context, it refers to a person who is reluctant to offer the greeting of peace, Salām, to others.

The word (salām) "سَلَام" means peace. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When Muslims greet each other with Salām, they are invoking blessings of peace upon one another. It is a way of expressing goodwill, harmony, and unity within the Muslim community.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa, verse 86:

And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to a greeting with a better greeting or at least an equal one. It encourages Muslims to be generous in their greetings and not to withhold the Salām from others. By doing so, we uphold the teachings of the Quran and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the noble character of the servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They respond to harsh words with words of peace. It teaches us the importance of maintaining composure and responding to negativity with kindness and peace. By doing so, we can diffuse conflicts and promote harmony in our interactions with others.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the significance of the greeting of peace, Salām, in Islam. It is not merely a formality, but a means of fostering unity, love, and respect among Muslims. By greeting one another with Salām, we acknowledge the inherent dignity and worth of every individual in the Muslim community.

When we withhold or neglect to offer the Salām, we are depriving ourselves and others of the blessings and benefits that come with it. It is an act of selfishness and miserliness that goes against the teachings of Islam. By being stingy with our Salām, we create barriers and distance between ourselves and our fellow Muslims.

On the other hand, when we are generous with our Salām, we contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the Muslim community. We strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and we create an environment of peace and harmony. The simple act of greeting one another with Salām can have a profound impact on our relationships and the overall well-being of the Muslim ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be generous in spreading the greeting of peace, Salām. It teaches us the importance of responding to greetings and addressing others with kindness and respect. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, we can contribute to a more harmonious and united Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt, and may He grant us the ability to be generous with our Salām.