Hadith #776

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

خَيرُ إخوانِكَ مَنْ كَثُرَ إغضابُهُ لَكَ في الحقِّ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of a brother who becomes more angry with you when it comes to matters of truth. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (your brothers) "إخوانِكَ" refers to the fellow Muslims, the believers who share the same faith and are part of the same Ummah. It highlights the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (49:10)

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers

This verse emphasizes the bond of brotherhood that exists among Muslims and encourages them to reconcile their differences.

The word (his anger) "إغضابُهُ" refers to the anger or displeasure that a person feels towards someone else. In this context, it signifies the righteous anger that arises when one sees a fellow Muslim deviating from the path of truth. This anger is not driven by personal grudges or selfish motives but is rooted in a genuine concern for the well-being of the individual and the preservation of the truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best among our brothers is the one whose anger towards us increases when it comes to matters of truth. This means that a true believer should not remain silent or indifferent when they witness falsehood or injustice. They should be willing to speak up and confront the wrongdoings, even if it means facing the anger or displeasure of others.

This Hadith encourages us to be courageous and steadfast in upholding the truth, even in the face of opposition. It reminds us that the path of righteousness is not always easy, and it may require us to endure the anger and disapproval of others. However, it is through such challenges that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commends those who stand up for the truth and face adversity in the Quran. He says, (41:33)

And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, 'Indeed, I am of the Muslims'

This verse highlights the importance of speaking up for what is right and inviting others to the path of Allah, even if it leads to discomfort or opposition.

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are profound. When we stand up for the truth, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society. By challenging falsehood and injustice, we pave the way for positive change and the establishment of justice. Our actions inspire others to follow the path of righteousness, and our commitment to the truth becomes a source of guidance for those around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality throughout his life. His unwavering commitment to justice and truth earned him the title of

The Gate of Knowledge

due to his profound understanding of Islamic teachings. He fearlessly spoke out against oppression and corruption, even when it meant facing the anger and opposition of those in power.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of standing up for the truth, even if it means facing the anger of others. It emphasizes the virtue of a brother who becomes more angry with you when it comes to matters of truth. By embodying this teaching, we contribute to the betterment of society and inspire others to follow the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and courage to uphold the truth and face the challenges that come with it.