Hadith #6796

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 having a compassionate and merciful heart towards all people, and treating them with kindness and fairness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from oppressing others and to avoid being harsh or violent towards them.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it presents. The word (rahmah) "رَحْمَةَ" refers to mercy, compassion, and kindness. It encompasses a sense of empathy and understanding towards others, and it is a quality that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself possesses in abundance. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as (Ar-Rahman, the Most Merciful) "الرَّحْمَـٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ" and (And He is kind and merciful to the believers)

وَهُوَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ

(Quran 9:128).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to show kindness and goodness towards others, using the word (ihsan) "إحْسَانِ". This term encompasses acts of excellence, benevolence, and going above and beyond in treating others well. It is a concept deeply rooted in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good)

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

(Quran 2:195).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns against oppressing others, using the word (hayf) "حَيْفًا". Oppression refers to the unjust treatment of others, whether through physical, emotional, or social means. It is a grave sin in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful])

وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ أَمْوَٰلَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِٱلْبَـٰطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا۟ بِهَآ إِلَى ٱلْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا۟ فَرِيقًۭا مِّنْ أَمْوَٰلِ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

(Quran 2:188).

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to be like a sword over others, meaning we should not be harsh, aggressive, or violent towards them. This aligns with the teachings of Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful)

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًۭا

(Quran 4:29).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to cultivate a heart filled with mercy, compassion, and kindness towards all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. By doing so, we emulate the qualities of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself, who is the epitome of mercy and compassion. This not only benefits those around us, but it also brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earns His pleasure.

When we treat others with kindness and refrain from oppressing them, we create an environment of love, understanding, and harmony. This fosters strong relationships, builds bridges between communities, and promotes social justice. Conversely, when we act harshly or oppress others, we sow seeds of discord, division, and animosity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to embody the values of mercy, compassion, and kindness in our interactions with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers, but we also contribute to a more just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to imbibe our hearts with mercy and kindness, and may He guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the noble Quran.