Hadith #4980

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of preserving and continuing the good practices that have been previously established and accepted by the people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims not to discontinue these practices as they have been proven to be beneficial and have gained the acceptance and support of the community.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The phrase

لا تَنْقُضْ سُنَّةً صالِحَةً

translates to

Do not discontinue the good practices.

The word "سُنَّةً" refers to a practice or tradition that has been established and followed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) or the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It signifies a righteous and beneficial action that carries the weight of religious significance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further adds, "عُمِلَ بِها" which means

that have been [previously] acted upon.

This indicates that these good practices have been implemented and put into action by the Prophet (ﷺ) or the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) themselves. They have served as examples for the Muslim community to follow and have been proven to be effective in promoting righteousness and guidance.

The phrase

وَ اجْتَمَعَتِ الأُلْفَةُ لَها

translates to

which the people have become familiar with.

This highlights the importance of unity and consensus among the Muslim community regarding these good practices. When the people become familiar with and accept these practices, it strengthens the bond of unity and harmony among them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating,

وَ صَلَحَتِ الرَّعيَّةُ عَلَيْها

which means

and which the masses have found suitable.

This emphasizes that these good practices are not only accepted by the scholars and the elite but are also found suitable and beneficial by the general masses. It highlights the practicality and effectiveness of these practices in improving the lives of ordinary Muslims.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and cohesion among Muslims. By adhering to the good practices that have been established and accepted by the community, we strengthen our unity and avoid division.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of resolving conflicts and differences within the Muslim community. By adhering to the established practices and teachings, we can find common ground and resolve disputes in a just and peaceful manner.

In light of this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to preserve and continue the good practices that have been established and accepted by the community. These practices serve as a source of unity, guidance, and benefit for the entire Muslim ummah. By adhering to these practices, we strengthen our bond of unity, resolve conflicts, and ensure the well-being and prosperity of the Muslim community as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to uphold and continue the good practices that have been established by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He unite the hearts of the Muslim ummah and guide us all on the path of righteousness.