Hadith #4494

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace 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, "اليُمْنُ مَعَ الرِّفْقِ۔" This can be translated as,

With leniency there is auspiciousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (yumn) "يُمْنُ" in this Hadith refers to "auspiciousness" or "blessings." It signifies the presence of goodness, success, and prosperity. On the other hand, the word (riffq) "الرِّفْقِ" means "leniency," "gentleness," or "kindness." It implies treating others with compassion, understanding, and empathy.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of leniency and gentleness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) leniency towards his companions, which resulted in unity and harmony among them. It demonstrates that leniency is a means of attracting people towards goodness and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to adopt a lenient approach when dealing with others, especially those who are ignorant or unaware. By doing so, we can guide them towards goodness and righteousness, rather than pushing them away with harshness or arrogance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the correlation between leniency and auspiciousness. When we treat others with kindness and gentleness, we create an environment that is conducive to blessings and success. Leniency allows for open communication, understanding, and forgiveness, leading to stronger relationships and a harmonious society.

For example, imagine a situation where someone makes a mistake or wrongs us. Instead of reacting with anger and harshness, we choose to respond with leniency and understanding. By doing so, we not only preserve the dignity of the other person but also create an opportunity for growth and reconciliation. Our leniency can inspire them to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness, and rectify their behavior. This, in turn, leads to the restoration of trust and the strengthening of bonds.

Conversely, if we respond to the same situation with harshness and aggression, it may escalate the conflict, damage relationships, and create a hostile environment. This negativity hinders the flow of blessings and auspiciousness in our lives. Thus, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of adopting a lenient approach in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that leniency and gentleness are key to attracting blessings and auspiciousness in our lives. By treating others with kindness, understanding, and empathy, we create an environment that fosters growth, reconciliation, and unity. Let us strive to embody the qualities of leniency and gentleness, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt, in order to experience the abundant blessings and success that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has promised for the believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to practice leniency in our daily lives.