Hadith #9174

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble character of a generous person. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a person who possesses the quality of generosity will withhold their favors and kindness when they are approached with harshness, but will soften and show kindness when they are approached with politeness and humility.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (karim) "كَرِيمُ" refers to someone who is generous, noble, and honorable. This word is derived from the root (karam) "كَرَمَ", which means to be generous and to bestow favors upon others. The word (yajfu) "يَجْفُو" means to cut off or withhold, while the word (unnifa) "عُنِّفَ" means to be approached or treated harshly. On the other hand, the word (yalinu) "يَلِينُ" means to soften or become gentle, and the word (istu'thifa) "اِسْتُعْطِفَ" means to be approached or treated politely.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

(Quran 28:77)

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of doing good and being generous, just as Allah has been generous to us. It reminds us to use the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah to benefit others and to avoid causing corruption in the world. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith aligns perfectly with this Quranic principle.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, 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 highlights the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status or gender. It teaches us to refrain from insulting or mocking others, as it is a sign of disobedience and wrongdoing. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects this Quranic principle by emphasizing the importance of responding with kindness and softness when approached politely, rather than reacting harshly or with arrogance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this noble character throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and generosity were renowned among the Muslims. He would generously share his knowledge and guide people towards the path of righteousness. However, when faced with harshness or disrespect, he would withhold his favors and respond with firmness, in order to teach the importance of humility and respect.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to embody the qualities of generosity, kindness, and humility. It teaches us to be mindful of our behavior and to respond to others with respect and dignity, regardless of how they approach us. By doing so, we can strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill the teachings of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of generosity, kindness, and humility in our interactions with others. May we always strive to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. And may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of righteousness.