Hadith #7962

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ما حَفِظَ غَيْبَكَ مَنْ ذَكَرَ عَيْبَكَ۔

This can be translated into English as:

He who mentions your faults has not guarded you in your absence.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (hafiza) "حَفِظَ" means to guard, protect, or preserve. It implies the act of safeguarding someone's honor, reputation, or secrets. The word (ghaybaka) "غَيْبَكَ" refers to one's absence or when someone is not present. And the word (dhakara) "ذَكَرَ" means to mention or bring up.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, as they are sinful acts that harm the unity and brotherhood of the Muslim community. It is a reminder to guard the honor and reputation of others, especially in their absence. Just as we would detest eating the flesh of our deceased brother, we should detest speaking ill of them when they are not present to defend themselves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from ridiculing, insulting, or using offensive nicknames for others. It reminds us that we should not judge or belittle others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a call to protect the dignity and honor of our fellow Muslims, even in their absence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. It serves as a reminder that true guardianship lies in protecting the honor and reputation of others, especially when they are not present. When someone mentions our faults or speaks ill of us behind our backs, it indicates a lack of true guardianship and respect.

This Hadith teaches us the importance of practicing restraint in our speech and refraining from backbiting, gossiping, or spreading rumors. It encourages us to be mindful of the consequences of our words and the impact they can have on others. By guarding the honor of our fellow Muslims, we contribute to a harmonious and united community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness were unparalleled, and he served as a role model for all Muslims. Let us remember that true guardianship lies in protecting the honor and dignity of others, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified throughout his life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be mindful of our words and actions, and may He grant us the ability to uphold the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).