Hadith #2315

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Indeed extending greetings is from sublime morals.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of greeting others and highlights it as one of the noble qualities of character.

The Arabic word used in this Hadith for "extending greetings" is (التحية) "tahiyah". It refers to the act of saying (peace be upon you) "As-salamu alaykum" or any other form of greeting. The word "tahiyah" comes from the root word "hayah" which means life or vitality. By extending greetings, we bring life and vitality to our interactions and relationships with others.

This concept of greeting others is not only emphasized in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but it is also supported by numerous Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to greet one another with peace and blessings. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 86, Allah says,

And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.

This verse teaches us that when someone greets us, we should respond with a better greeting or at least return it in a similar manner. This not only reflects good manners but also fosters a sense of unity and harmony among Muslims. By greeting one another, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, Allah says,

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse teaches us that when we encounter negative or harmful speech, we should disengage from it and respond with peace. Instead of engaging in arguments or spreading negativity, we should maintain our composure and respond with kindness and peace. This not only reflects the sublime morals that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) spoke of in the Hadith but also serves as a means of diffusing tension and promoting a peaceful environment.

Extending greetings is not limited to verbal greetings alone. It can also be expressed through our actions and behavior. For example, smiling at someone, offering a helping hand, or showing kindness and respect are all forms of greeting others. These actions can have a profound impact on the well-being of individuals and the overall atmosphere of a community.

The consequences of practicing this noble quality of extending greetings are far-reaching. When we greet others with sincerity and kindness, we create an environment of love, respect, and unity. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community and fosters a sense of belonging. It also promotes positive interactions and builds bridges of understanding between individuals from different backgrounds.

Moreover, extending greetings is not limited to Muslims alone. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

Spread peace among yourselves and to all people.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of extending greetings to all people, regardless of their faith or background. By doing so, we embody the teachings of Islam and become ambassadors of peace and goodwill.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of extending greetings as one of the sublime morals. It encourages Muslims to greet one another with peace and blessings, both verbally and through their actions. This noble quality is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of responding to greetings and promoting peace. By practicing this virtue, we contribute to the creation of a harmonious and loving society, reflecting the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody these sublime morals in our daily lives.