Hadith #9747

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَوَّدَ نَفْسَهُ المِراءَ صارَ دَيْدَنَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever accustoms himself to disputation, it becomes his habit.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (accustoms) "عَوَّدَ" comes from the root word "عَادَ" which means to habituate oneself to something. In this context, it refers to the act of repeatedly engaging in disputation or argumentation. The word (himself) "نَفْسَهُ" emphasizes that this habit is a personal choice and a reflection of one's character.

Disputation or argumentation, known as "المِراءَ" in Arabic, refers to engaging in debates, quarrels, or disputes. It encompasses any form of argumentation that is driven by ego, pride, and the desire to prove oneself right at the expense of others. Such behavior often leads to division, animosity, and the erosion of unity within the Muslim community.

To understand the gravity of this matter, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against engaging in disputation and encourages unity among Muslims. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the detrimental consequences of disputation, as it weakens the resolve and unity of the believers. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, which requires refraining from engaging in unnecessary arguments that only serve to divide the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes among believers in a just and fair manner. It discourages engaging in prolonged arguments and encourages seeking reconciliation and unity. By accustoming oneself to disputation, an individual risks becoming a source of division and discord within the Muslim community, going against the teachings of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of developing a habit of disputation. When one becomes accustomed to engaging in arguments, it becomes ingrained in their character, affecting their relationships, mindset, and overall behavior. This habit can lead to a toxic environment where ego and personal interests take precedence over the greater good of the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we must strive to cultivate a culture of unity, tolerance, and understanding within the Muslim ummah. Instead of engaging in fruitless arguments, we should focus on seeking knowledge, promoting dialogue, and building bridges of understanding with our fellow Muslims. By doing so, we can contribute to a harmonious and cohesive community that upholds the principles of Islam and spreads peace and justice in the world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He grant us the wisdom to avoid disputation and instead foster unity and brotherhood among all Muslims.