Hadith #3113

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who gauges [the people] detests (or keeps away from) [them].

The word used in the Hadith is (ikhtabar) "اخْتَبَرَ", which means to gauge, measure, or assess. It refers to the act of evaluating or examining the qualities, characteristics, or intentions of individuals.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 emphasizes the importance of not judging or ridiculing others based on superficial factors. It reminds us that we should not measure people solely based on their outward appearance, social status, or any other external criteria. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the true worth of an individual lies in their character, piety, and actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further reinforces this message. It teaches us that when we gauge or assess others, we may develop a sense of detestation or distance from them. This detestation arises when we focus on their flaws, weaknesses, or differences, rather than recognizing their inherent worth and potential for goodness. It is a reminder to look beyond the surface and seek the good in others.

To illustrate this point, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is known for their bad temper. If we gauge them solely based on this negative trait, we may develop a detestation towards them and distance ourselves from them. However, if we look deeper and assess their other qualities, we may discover that they are also generous, kind-hearted, and helpful to those in need. By recognizing their positive attributes, we can develop a more balanced and compassionate view of them.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. When we gauge others with an open heart and a fair mind, we foster unity, understanding, and empathy within our communities. We learn to appreciate the diversity of talents, skills, and perspectives that each individual brings. By recognizing the inherent worth of every human being, we can build stronger bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder to self-reflect. It urges us to assess our own actions, intentions, and character before passing judgment on others. By focusing on our own self-improvement, we can become a positive influence and role model for those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of not judging or detesting others based on superficial measures. It encourages us to gauge individuals with fairness, recognizing their inherent worth and potential for goodness. By following this guidance, we can foster unity, understanding, and empathy within our communities, and strive towards self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and humility to implement these teachings in our lives.