Hadith #1366

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,

المُؤْمِنُ آلِفٌ، مألُوفٌ، مُتَعَطِّفٌ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

A believer is affectionate, endearing, and compassionate.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (alifun) "آلِفٌ", which means affectionate or gentle. This term implies a sense of tenderness and kindness towards others. The Quran emphasizes the importance of kindness and gentleness in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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) gentle and compassionate nature, which attracted people towards Islam. Similarly, a believer should strive to embody this quality of affection and gentleness towards others.

The second word in the Hadith is (ma'loofun) "مألُوفٌ", which means endearing or well-mannered. This term signifies the importance of good conduct and proper behavior towards others. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of good manners and ethical behavior. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse teaches us to treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or status. A believer should strive to be well-mannered and respectful in their interactions with others, reflecting the teachings of the Quran.

The third word in the Hadith is (muta'attifun) "مُتَعَطِّفٌ", which means compassionate or empathetic. This term highlights the importance of showing empathy and compassion towards others, especially during times of difficulty and hardship. The Quran emphasizes the virtue of compassion in Surah Al-Balad (90:17-18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Then he should be grateful for My favor when you find it. And let him believe in My promise and obey Me.

This verse reminds us to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us and to extend compassion to those in need. A believer should be compassionate and empathetic towards others, striving to alleviate their suffering and provide support.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance encapsulates the essence of a true believer. By being affectionate, endearing, and compassionate, a believer embodies the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate these qualities in their daily lives, fostering harmonious relationships and spreading goodness in society.

When a believer is affectionate, they create an atmosphere of love and warmth, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. Their gentle and kind nature attracts others towards Islam, just as the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) leniency and compassion drew people towards the message of Islam.

Furthermore, when a believer is well-mannered and endearing, they contribute to a positive and respectful environment. By treating others with respect and dignity, they uphold the principles of justice and equality emphasized in the Quran. Their good conduct serves as a reflection of their faith and becomes a means of inviting others towards the path of righteousness.

Lastly, when a believer is compassionate and empathetic, they demonstrate the true essence of Islam. By extending a helping hand to those in need, they alleviate suffering and bring comfort to others. Their acts of kindness and compassion reflect the mercy and compassion of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and serve as a means of attaining His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that define a true believer - affection, endearment, and compassion. These qualities are not only encouraged by the teachings of the Quran, but they also reflect the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our interactions with others, fostering love, respect, and empathy within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be true believers, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.