Hadith #1363

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

المؤمن لين العريكة، سهل الخليقة

which translates to

A believer has a mild disposition and is easy going.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that a true believer should possess.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (layyin) "لين" refers to mildness, gentleness, and softness of character. It signifies a calm and composed demeanor, free from harshness or aggression. The word (ariqah) "عريكة" refers to the bridle of a horse, symbolizing control and restraint. It implies that a believer should have control over their emotions and reactions, exhibiting patience and forbearance in the face of adversity. The word (sahl) "سهل" means easy or lenient, indicating that a believer should be approachable, accommodating, and flexible in their interactions with others. The word (khaliqah) "خليقة" refers to one's nature or disposition, emphasizing that these qualities should be inherent in the believer's character.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 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 importance of leniency and gentleness in dealing with others. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrated these qualities in his interactions with people, which ultimately strengthened the bonds of unity and cooperation among the Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being easy-going and responding to harshness with peace and kindness. It encourages believers to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of provocation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that as Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our daily lives. A believer with a mild disposition and an easy-going nature is more likely to foster harmonious relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and create an atmosphere of tranquility and understanding. Such a believer is approachable and open-minded, allowing for effective communication and cooperation with others.

By adopting these qualities, we can positively impact our personal relationships, our communities, and society as a whole. A mild disposition and an easy-going nature enable us to navigate through the challenges of life with patience and resilience. It allows us to respond to adversity with grace and forgiveness, promoting a culture of empathy and compassion.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a mild disposition and being easy-going as a believer. These qualities are rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which encourage us to be gentle, patient, and accommodating in our interactions with others. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to the betterment of society and strive towards the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate these virtues and follow in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.