Hadith #4915

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Offering greetings is one of the virtuous morals and traits.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of greeting others and highlights it as a praiseworthy characteristic. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (bathl) "بَذْلُ" in the Hadith refers to the act of offering or giving. It implies that greeting others is not merely a superficial gesture, but rather a sincere and genuine act of kindness. The word (tahiyyah) "تَحِيَّةِ" means greetings, salutations, or blessings. It encompasses both verbal and non-verbal forms of greeting, such as saying (peace be upon you) "As-salamu alaykum" or even a smile.

The Hadith emphasizes that offering greetings is not just a social convention, but it is rooted in good character and noble traits. It reflects the inner beauty of a person and their genuine concern for the well-being of others. This act of kindness has a profound impact on building and strengthening relationships within the Muslim community.

The Quran supports the importance of offering greetings in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa (4:86), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to greetings with an even better greeting or at least in a similar manner. It highlights the significance of reciprocating kindness and maintaining good manners in all interactions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), 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 teaches Muslims to respond to negativity or harmful speech with peace and tranquility. It demonstrates the importance of maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor, even in the face of adversity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that offering greetings is not a trivial matter. It is a reflection of our character and a means to foster unity and harmony within the Muslim community. When we greet others with sincerity and kindness, we create an atmosphere of love, respect, and compassion.

By consistently practicing this virtuous act, we can inspire others to follow suit and contribute to the overall well-being of society. It is through small acts of kindness, such as offering greetings, that we can make a significant difference in the lives of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of offering greetings as a manifestation of good character and virtuous traits. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of reciprocating kindness and maintaining peace in all interactions. As Muslims, let us strive to embody this noble characteristic and spread love and harmony through our greetings and interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to practice this beautiful aspect of our faith.