Hadith #695

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

شرُّ إخوانِكَ مَنْ أحوَجَكَ إلى مُداراة وألْجَأكَ إلى اعْتِذار۔

This Hadith highlights the negative characteristics of a certain type of individual among your brothers. Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith to better understand its implications.

The word (sharr) "شرُّ" refers to the worst or most evil. It signifies a person who possesses harmful qualities or engages in actions that are detrimental to others. (ikhwānika) "إخوانِكَ" means your brothers, referring to fellow Muslims. (man) "مَنْ" means the one who, indicating that the Hadith is discussing a specific type of person. (aḥwajaka) "أحوَجَكَ" translates to the one who is most in need of your compromise or accommodation. This person seeks to impose their will upon you, disregarding your rights and needs. (mudārah) "مُداراة" refers to compromising or accommodating someone, while (aljā'aka) "ألْجَأكَ" means to compel or force you. Finally, (i'thār) "اعْتِذار" means to ask for pardon or forgiveness.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking reconciliation and compromise among believers. However, it also highlights the need to stand against oppression and injustice. In light of this, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns us about individuals who exploit the concept of compromise to their advantage, forcing others to constantly accommodate their demands. Such people disregard the principles of justice and fairness, seeking personal gain at the expense of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who manipulate the virtue of compromise for their own benefit. It encourages us to be discerning in our interactions and to recognize when someone is crossing the boundaries of fairness and respect. It reminds us that compromising should not be a one-sided effort, but rather a mutual agreement that upholds justice and preserves the rights of all parties involved.

By highlighting the negative consequences of being compelled to ask for pardon, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining our self-respect and dignity. Islam teaches us to forgive and seek forgiveness, but it does not mean we should allow ourselves to be constantly taken advantage of or manipulated.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who exploit the concept of compromise and force others to constantly ask for pardon. It urges us to uphold justice, fairness, and mutual respect in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between genuine compromise and manipulation, and may He guide us to be just and fair in all our dealings.