Hadith #3115

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,

مَنِ اطْمَأنَّ قَبلَ الاِختِبارِ نَدِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who feels at ease [with people] before gauging them, regrets.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (itma'anna) "اطْمَأنَّ" means to feel at ease, to be tranquil, or to be content. It refers to a state of inner peace and satisfaction. The word (qabla) "قَبْلَ" means before or prior to. The word (al-ikhtibar) "الاِختِبارِ" refers to the act of gauging or testing someone's character, intentions, or trustworthiness. And finally, the word (nadima) "نَدِمَ" means to regret or feel remorse.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not jumping to conclusions or passing judgments without proper investigation. It advises Muslims to verify the information they receive before taking any action, as hasty decisions can lead to harm and regret. Similarly, Imam Ali's Hadith urges us to refrain from forming opinions about others without first getting to know them.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse reminds us not to judge or belittle others based on superficial factors such as appearance, social status, or background. It encourages Muslims to withhold judgment and give others the benefit of the doubt, as they may possess qualities and virtues that surpass our own. Imam Ali's Hadith aligns with this Quranic principle, urging us to refrain from premature judgments that may lead to regret.

Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of hastily forming opinions about others. When we judge someone without truly knowing them, we risk misunderstanding their intentions, character, and potential. This can lead to strained relationships, missed opportunities for growth and learning, and ultimately, regret.

For example, if we meet someone new and immediately assume negative traits or intentions based on their appearance or a brief interaction, we may miss out on the opportunity to build a meaningful connection. We may regret our hasty judgment when we later discover their true character, potential, or the positive impact they could have had in our lives.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to approach others with an open mind and heart, seeking to understand and appreciate their unique qualities and perspectives. By doing so, we foster a culture of empathy, tolerance, and unity within the Muslim community and beyond.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's Hadith teaches us the importance of withholding judgment and refraining from forming opinions about others before truly getting to know them. It reminds us to approach people with an open heart and mind, seeking to understand and appreciate their unique qualities. By doing so, we can avoid regret and cultivate meaningful relationships based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our interactions with others.