Hadith #6680

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) states,

Al-talattufu fil hila ajdha min al-wasilah.

This can be translated as,

Being courteous when trying to accomplish something is more effective than other means.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "talattuf" in Arabic refers to being courteous, gentle, and kind. It encompasses the idea of treating others with respect, empathy, and consideration. "Hila" refers to the means or methods one employs to achieve a goal, while "wasilah" refers to other means or methods.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of kindness and gentleness in our interactions with others. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, 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 highlights the significance of choosing the best and most courteous words when communicating with others. By doing so, we can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, as Satan seeks to create discord among people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, Allah describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the Prophet's (ﷺ) exemplary conduct and serves as a reminder for Muslims to follow his noble example. The Prophet (ﷺ) was known for his kindness, compassion, and gentle demeanor, which attracted people towards Islam. This demonstrates the effectiveness of being courteous in conveying our message and achieving our goals.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of courtesy in accomplishing our objectives. When we approach others with kindness and respect, we create an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation. This not only enhances our chances of success but also strengthens our relationships with others.

For instance, imagine a situation where two individuals have a disagreement. If they approach the matter with harshness and hostility, it is likely to escalate into a heated argument, hindering any possibility of resolution. However, if they adopt a courteous and gentle approach, listening to each other's perspectives and expressing their thoughts respectfully, they are more likely to find common ground and reach a mutually beneficial solution. This exemplifies the effectiveness of courtesy in achieving our goals.

Moreover, being courteous in our interactions can have profound consequences on our own spiritual growth. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the virtue of responding to ignorance and hostility with peace and kindness. By doing so, we not only diffuse tension but also elevate our own character and emulate the noble qualities of the righteous servants of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the power of courtesy in accomplishing our goals. By being kind, respectful, and considerate in our interactions, we can create an environment of understanding and cooperation. This approach not only increases our chances of success but also strengthens our relationships and fosters personal growth. Let us strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by being courteous in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement this valuable lesson in our daily interactions.