Hadith #5514

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.

In this hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to change their grey hair and not to resemble the Jews. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this hadith and its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ghayyiru) "غَيِّرُوا" in the hadith means "change" or "alter." It implies that Muslims should not let their grey hair remain as it is, but rather they should dye it or find ways to make themselves appear younger. This advice is not limited to hair color but can be extended to other aspects of appearance as well, as long as it is done in moderation and within the boundaries of Islamic teachings.

The phrase (wala tashabbahu bil-yahood) "ولاتَشَبَّهُوا بِاليَهُودِ" means

do not resemble the Jews.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning Muslims against imitating the practices and customs of the Jews. This does not mean that all aspects of Jewish culture are to be rejected, but rather it serves as a reminder to Muslims to adhere to their own distinct identity and not blindly follow the ways of other communities.

To understand the wisdom behind this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:120):

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining our own unique identity as Muslims and not seeking validation from other communities. By not resembling the Jews, Muslims are reminded to stay true to their own beliefs and practices.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the significance of following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in order to gain the love and forgiveness of Allah. By not resembling the Jews, Muslims are reminded to align themselves with the teachings and practices of the Prophet and his family.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to change one's grey hair and not resemble the Jews carries several implications. Firstly, it encourages Muslims to take care of their appearance and maintain a youthful and presentable look. This is in line with the Islamic concept of cleanliness and self-care. However, it is important to note that this should be done in moderation and without excessive vanity, as Islam promotes modesty and humility.

Secondly, this advice serves as a reminder to Muslims to be mindful of their own identity and not to blindly adopt the practices of other communities. Islam has its own distinct teachings and values, and Muslims should strive to embody and promote these principles in their daily lives.

Lastly, this hadith highlights the importance of following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By not resembling the Jews, Muslims are reminded to seek guidance from the Prophet and his family, who are the epitome of knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and understanding of Islam, and his advice in this hadith reflects his deep understanding of the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to change their grey hair and not resemble the Jews. This advice encourages Muslims to take care of their appearance, maintain their own distinct identity, and seek guidance from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By following these teachings, Muslims can strive to embody the values and principles of Islam and lead a righteous and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement His teachings.