Hadith #6840

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes three important qualities that Muslims should strive to embody in their lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the meanings of the key words and their implications in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "ahsin al-'ishra" which can be translated as

be good in your interactions.

This encompasses all aspects of our interactions with others, whether they be family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. It encourages us to display kindness, compassion, and respect in our dealings with others, treating them with fairness and justice. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

The second quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "isbir 'ala al-'usrati" which can be translated as

be patient in difficulties.

This highlights the importance of patience and perseverance during times of hardship and adversity. It reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is through patience that we can navigate through them with strength and resilience. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of patience, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

The third quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "ansif ma'a al-qudrah" which can be translated as

be equitable when you have power.

This highlights the importance of justice and fairness, especially when one is in a position of authority or has the ability to influence others. It reminds us that power should not be abused or used for personal gain, but rather for the betterment of society as a whole. The Quran emphasizes the significance of justice in multiple verses, such as in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thoughtful words in this Hadith serve as a comprehensive guide for Muslims in their daily lives. By being good in our interactions, we can foster harmonious relationships and promote unity within the community. By being patient in difficulties, we can develop resilience and trust in Allah's plan. And by being equitable when we have power, we can contribute to a just and balanced society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified these qualities throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and adherence to justice are well-known among both Shia and Sunni Muslims. He was a paragon of virtue and his actions were guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in their interactions, to remain patient during difficult times, and to uphold justice and equity in all aspects of life. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and society at large. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.