Hadith #6921

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) states,

Feign heedlessness [about the mistakes of others] and your affair will be praised.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of remaining silent and not exposing the faults and mistakes of others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tağāfal) "تَغافَلْ" in the Hadith refers to feigning or pretending to be heedless or unaware. It implies deliberately choosing not to pay attention to the mistakes or faults of others. By doing so, one's own affairs will be praised and not subjected to scrutiny or criticism.

This concept of feigning heedlessness can be understood in the light of several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions about others and refraining from backbiting. It teaches Muslims to be cautious about passing judgment on others and to focus on their own actions and improvement. By feigning heedlessness and not engaging in gossip or backbiting, one can protect their own reputation and avoid falling into sin.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse encourages Muslims to turn away from negative and harmful speech and instead focus on their own deeds. By doing so, they maintain their own peace of mind and avoid engaging in futile arguments or unnecessary conflicts. Feigning heedlessness allows one to rise above petty disputes and maintain a positive reputation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to adopt a humble and forgiving attitude towards the mistakes of others. By choosing not to expose or criticize these mistakes, one can create an environment of harmony and unity. This approach not only protects one's own reputation but also promotes a culture of forgiveness and understanding within the Muslim community.

Feigning heedlessness does not mean turning a blind eye to injustice or allowing wrongdoing to prevail. It is about choosing the right time and place to address issues and seeking appropriate ways to rectify them. It is a reminder to Muslims to focus on self-improvement and to avoid unnecessary conflicts and disputes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide Muslims to this day. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious with their words and actions, to avoid spreading negativity, and to focus on their own spiritual growth. By feigning heedlessness and refraining from exposing the mistakes of others, Muslims can create an environment of peace and unity, ultimately earning the praise and approval of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to strive for excellence in our own affairs.