Hadith #4521

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, "نِعمَ السِّياسَةُ الرِّفْقُ۔" which translates to

The best policy is leniency.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (siyasa) "سِّياسَةُ" in this Hadith refers to policy or governance. It encompasses the principles and strategies employed in managing and leading a community or society. On the other hand, (rifq) "رِّفْقُ" means leniency, gentleness, and kindness. It is the opposite of harshness and severity.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of leniency and gentleness in various contexts. 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) approach of leniency towards his companions, which resulted in unity and cohesion among them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) to

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of adopting a gentle and kind approach when inviting people towards goodness and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of leniency in governance and leadership. It emphasizes that adopting a gentle and kind approach in dealing with people is the most effective way to establish a just and harmonious society. Harshness and severity often lead to resentment and division, whereas leniency fosters unity and cooperation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) own life is a testament to the practice of leniency. His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, yet he always displayed kindness and compassion towards others. He would listen attentively to the concerns of the people and address them with empathy and understanding. This approach not only earned him the respect and love of the people but also enabled him to establish a just and prosperous society during his caliphate.

The consequences of adopting a lenient approach in governance are far-reaching. It creates an environment of trust and openness, where people feel comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns. This, in turn, leads to effective decision-making and the implementation of policies that benefit the entire community. Leniency also promotes inclusivity, as it encourages the participation of diverse voices and perspectives.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we as Muslims should strive to embody the qualities of leniency and gentleness in our interactions with others. Whether it is within our families, communities, or workplaces, adopting a kind and compassionate approach will not only strengthen our relationships but also contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best policy in governance and leadership is one of leniency and gentleness. This approach aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of kindness and compassion in all aspects of our lives. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, guided by the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to practice leniency and gentleness in all our affairs.