Hadith #6838

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عامَلَ النَّاسَ بِالمُسامَحَةِ اِسْتَمْتَعَ بِصُحْبَتِهِمْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who deals leniently with people enjoys [and benefits from] their company.

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

The key word in this Hadith is (al-musamahah) "المُسامَحَةِ", which can be translated as leniency, forgiveness, or pardon. It refers to the act of treating others with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even in the face of their mistakes or wrongdoings. It is a quality that stems from a generous and magnanimous heart, seeking to maintain harmonious relationships with others.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and treating others with kindness. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse encourages believers to be quick in forgiving others, as it leads to the attainment of Paradise.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds Muslims of the importance of pardoning others and overlooking their faults, as it is a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt the quality of leniency and forgiveness in their interactions with others. By doing so, they not only maintain peaceful relationships but also benefit from the company of others. When we treat people with kindness and forgiveness, we create an atmosphere of love, trust, and understanding, which in turn leads to a sense of unity and harmony within our communities.

For example, imagine a person who is known for their forgiving nature. Others are naturally drawn to them, seeking their company and guidance. This person becomes a source of comfort and solace for those around them, as they provide a safe space for people to express themselves without fear of judgment or condemnation. Their leniency and forgiveness create an environment of acceptance and compassion, fostering strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

On the other hand, if someone is harsh, judgmental, and unforgiving, they repel others and create a negative atmosphere. People may avoid their company, fearing criticism or retribution. This not only isolates the individual but also hinders the growth and development of the community as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of treating people with leniency and forgiveness. His own actions and teachings exemplified this quality, as he forgave those who wronged him and treated even his enemies with kindness. This characteristic endeared him to the hearts of the people, and his companionship was cherished by all.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of dealing leniently with people and the benefits that come from such behavior. By adopting the quality of forgiveness and treating others with kindness, we create an atmosphere of love, trust, and unity within our communities. Let us strive to embody this noble characteristic and enjoy the blessings of harmonious relationships and the company of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in following the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).