Hadith #6831

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,

The intelligent person [only] cuts off ties with you after failing to find any other way out.

This enlightening saying highlights the wisdom and discernment of an intelligent individual who, after exhausting all possible means, decides to sever ties with someone.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qati'atu) "قَطيعَةُ" refers to the act of cutting off or severing ties. It implies a complete and decisive break in the relationship. The word (al-'aqil) "العاقِلِ" refers to the intelligent or wise person, someone who possesses sound judgment and understanding. The phrase (laka ba'da nafathil hīlati feek)

لَكَ بَعْدَ نَفاذِ الحيلَةِ فيكَ

can be translated as

with you, after failing to find any other way out.

This phrase emphasizes that the intelligent person only resorts to cutting off ties when all other options have been exhausted.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:58),

And if you fear treachery from a people, then throw back to them [their treaty] fairly or [at least] speak with them in an equitable manner.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining communication and seeking fair resolutions, even in times of conflict or suspicion. It encourages Muslims to exhaust all peaceful means before resorting to severing ties.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness towards others, even if they hold different beliefs or opinions. It encourages Muslims to strive for peaceful coexistence and to exhaust all avenues of reconciliation.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand that cutting off ties should be a last resort, reserved for situations where all efforts for reconciliation have been exhausted. It is a decision that should be made with careful consideration and wisdom, by individuals who have explored all possible avenues for resolution.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of intelligence and discernment in dealing with difficult situations. It serves as a reminder that severing ties should not be taken lightly, but rather as a result of a thorough evaluation of the circumstances. It encourages Muslims to strive for peaceful resolutions, even in the face of adversity, and to maintain justice and fairness in all interactions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of intelligent decision-making and the significance of exhausting all possible means before severing ties with others. It reminds us to seek peaceful resolutions, to maintain communication, and to act with justice and fairness in all our interactions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate difficult situations and guide us towards maintaining strong and harmonious relationships with our fellow Muslims.