Hadith #4501

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, "بِالرِّفْقِ تُدْرَكُ المَقاصِدُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through gentleness, goals are achieved.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of adopting a gentle and kind approach in order to attain our objectives and fulfill our aspirations.

The word (rifq) "رِّفْقِ" in this Hadith refers to gentleness, kindness, and tenderness. It encompasses a compassionate and considerate attitude towards others, characterized by softness and leniency. It is a quality that reflects the essence of Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself was described as being gentle and kind-hearted.

The significance of gentleness can be found in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adopting a gentle and compassionate approach when dealing with others. It shows that through kindness and leniency, the Prophet (ﷺ) was able to unite and bring people closer to the message of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) saying,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding harsh arguments and disputes, and instead, encourages patience and gentleness in order to maintain unity and strength.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that achieving our goals is not solely dependent on force or aggression, but rather on adopting a gentle and kind approach. Gentleness has the power to soften hearts, build bridges, and create harmony in our relationships. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, and enables us to influence them positively.

When we approach others with gentleness, we are more likely to be heard and understood. Our words carry more weight and impact when they are delivered with kindness and empathy. This approach not only helps us in achieving our immediate goals, but it also fosters long-lasting relationships based on trust and respect.

Moreover, gentleness is a reflection of the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and his ability to empathize with others allowed him to navigate through difficult situations with grace and compassion. He demonstrated this quality in his interactions with friend and foe alike, earning him the respect and admiration of both Shia and Sunni Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that gentleness is a powerful tool in achieving our goals. By adopting a kind and compassionate approach, we can build bridges, influence others positively, and maintain harmonious relationships. It is a quality that is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody gentleness in all aspects of our lives.