Hadith #6794

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "أبْقِ يُبْقَ عَلَيْكَ۔" which translates to

Preserve [the respect of others] and your respect will be preserved.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and dignity in order to maintain our own honor and reputation.

The word "أبْقِ" in the Hadith means to preserve, maintain, or safeguard. It implies the act of protecting something valuable or important. In this context, it refers to preserving the respect and honor of others. By treating others with kindness, fairness, and respect, we ensure that their dignity remains intact.

The word "يُبْقَ" in the Hadith means to be preserved or to remain. It signifies the outcome or consequence of preserving the respect of others. When we uphold the dignity of others, our own respect and honor are safeguarded. This highlights the reciprocal nature of respect and how our actions towards others have a direct impact on our own reputation.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be further understood by examining relevant Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah 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. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse highlights the prohibition of mocking, insulting, or belittling others. It emphasizes the need to recognize the worth and potential goodness in every individual. By refraining from disrespectful behavior, we not only preserve the respect of others but also protect our own honor.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah says,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to choose our words wisely and speak in a manner that is respectful and beneficial. By doing so, we prevent discord and maintain a harmonious environment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that our actions towards others have a direct impact on our own reputation and honor. When we treat others with respect, we create an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity. People are more likely to reciprocate our respectful behavior, leading to stronger relationships and a positive reputation.

Conversely, if we disrespect or mistreat others, we risk damaging our own reputation and losing the respect of those around us. Our actions have consequences, and by disregarding the dignity of others, we undermine our own integrity and honor.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in our interactions with others. When we put ourselves in the shoes of others and treat them with kindness and understanding, we foster a sense of unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Preserve [the respect of others] and your respect will be preserved

emphasizes the reciprocal nature of respect and the importance of treating others with dignity. By upholding the honor of others, we safeguard our own reputation and maintain a harmonious environment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody the teachings of this Hadith and treat others with the respect they deserve.