Hadith #4537

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ أبْصَرَ زَلَّتَهُ صَغُرَتْ عِندَهُ زَلَّةُ غَيْرِهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Whoever looks at his own lapses, the faults of others seem trivial to him.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (zallatah) "زَلَّةَ" refers to one's own lapses or mistakes. It signifies the recognition and acknowledgement of one's own faults and shortcomings. The word (saghurat) "صَغُرَتْ" means small or insignificant. It emphasizes that when one truly reflects upon their own mistakes, they perceive them as minor in comparison to the faults of others. The word (zallatu) "زَلَّةُ" refers to the faults or mistakes of others. It highlights the contrast between one's own self-awareness and the perception of the faults of others.

To understand the profound wisdom behind 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 reminds us of the importance of not mocking or belittling others, as we do not know the true worth and potential of individuals. When we focus on our own faults and shortcomings, we develop a sense of humility and empathy towards others. We realize that we are not perfect and that everyone is susceptible to making mistakes. This understanding prevents us from judging others harshly and allows us to treat them with compassion and respect.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. When we are aware of our own faults, we become more cautious about making assumptions about others. We understand that our own lapses should serve as a reminder to avoid passing judgment on others without proper knowledge or evidence. This self-reflection helps us cultivate a mindset of fairness, kindness, and forgiveness.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see its profound implications. When we truly recognize and acknowledge our own mistakes, we become more forgiving and understanding towards the faults of others. This self-awareness allows us to develop a sense of empathy and compassion, fostering harmonious relationships within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of self-reflection and humility. By focusing on our own lapses, we develop a sense of empathy and understanding towards others. This mindset aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the avoidance of mockery, negative assumptions, and backbiting. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize our own faults and the ability to treat others with kindness and compassion.