Hadith #6670

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) contains valuable guidance on how to conduct ourselves in various social interactions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the profound wisdom it holds and its alignment with the teachings of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the instruction

Do not declare your enmity to your enemy.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to refrain from openly expressing their hostility towards their enemies. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of promoting peace and reconciliation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8),

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Do not rebuke your friend.

This instruction reminds Muslims to avoid harshly criticizing or reproaching their friends. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with friends and treating them with kindness and respect. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises Muslims to

accept the excuse [you are given] even if it is a lie.

This teaching highlights the importance of forgiveness and understanding in our interactions with others. The Quran encourages believers to be forgiving and merciful. In Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to

not give [a forceful] response despite having the power to do so, even if it be your right.

This instruction emphasizes the importance of restraint and self-control, even in situations where one has the upper hand. The Quran teaches us to respond to evil with that which is better. In Surah Fussilat (41:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound teachings in this Hadith reflect his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran. By following these instructions, Muslims can foster harmonious relationships, promote forgiveness and mercy, and uphold the principles of justice and righteousness as prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to apply these teachings in our daily lives and enable us to embody the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.