Hadith #6464

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَنِ اتَّعَظَ بِالعِبَرِ اِرْتَدَعَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who takes admonishment from the examples [of the past] is deterred [from evil].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (ittaa'aza) "اتَّعَظَ" in the Hadith means to take admonishment or learn from the lessons of the past. It implies reflecting upon the experiences of those who came before us and drawing wisdom from their actions and consequences. This act of introspection and learning from history is a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development.

The word (al-'ibar) "العِبَرِ" refers to examples or lessons. It signifies the stories and narratives that are found in the Quran and the historical accounts of the Prophets and righteous individuals. These stories serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims, providing valuable insights into the consequences of actions and the importance of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who takes admonishment from these examples is (irtada'a) "ارْتَدَعَ", meaning they are deterred or prevented from committing evil. By reflecting upon the stories of the past, individuals are reminded of the consequences of sinful actions and are motivated to avoid them. This leads to a heightened sense of consciousness and a stronger inclination towards righteousness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 44, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?

This verse emphasizes the importance of reflecting upon the teachings of the Quran and applying them to our own lives. By doing so, we are reminded to rectify our own actions before advising others.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 176, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the importance of reflecting upon the consequences of following one's desires and the need to learn from the stories of those who have gone astray.

By contemplating the lessons and examples provided in the Quran, Muslims are able to gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions. This leads to a heightened sense of self-awareness and a stronger motivation to avoid evil deeds. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and wisdom from the teachings of the Quran and the lives of the Prophets and righteous individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight and significance. By studying the lives of these noble individuals, Muslims can gain valuable insights into how to navigate the challenges of life and strive for righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of taking admonishment from the examples of the past. By reflecting upon the stories and lessons found in the Quran and the lives of the Prophets and righteous individuals, we are able to gain wisdom and guidance. This leads to a greater sense of consciousness and a stronger inclination towards righteousness, deterring us from committing evil deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to learn from the examples of the past and strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.