Hadith #11018

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اَلاِتِّعاظُ اِعْتِبارٌ۔" which can be translated as,

Accepting admonition means taking a lesson [and putting into action].

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims.

Let us begin by understanding the key words in this Hadith. (Al-Itti'az) "الاِتِّعاظُ" refers to accepting or heeding admonition, while (I'tibar) "اِعْتِبارٌ" means taking a lesson or deriving benefit from it. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that accepting admonition is not merely about listening or understanding, but it also entails implementing the lessons learned into our actions and behavior.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reflecting upon His signs and taking heed of the lessons they offer. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:21), Allah says,

Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the transformative power of the Quran and the need for deep contemplation and action.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:68), Allah says,

Do they not reflect upon the Word (Quran), or has there come to them that which had not come to their forefathers?

This verse urges Muslims to reflect upon the Quran and its teachings, reminding us that the Quran is not a mere historical artifact but a living guide for all generations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It emphasizes that accepting admonition is not limited to passive listening or understanding, but it requires active engagement and implementation. Merely acknowledging the lesson is not enough; it must be translated into action and incorporated into our daily lives.

For example, if we hear a sermon or read a verse from the Quran that highlights the importance of honesty, we should not simply nod in agreement and move on. Instead, we should reflect on our own behavior, identify areas where we may fall short, and make a conscious effort to rectify our actions. This could mean being more truthful in our dealings, refraining from spreading rumors or lies, and striving to be people of integrity in all aspects of our lives.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith are profound. By actively taking lessons from admonition, we become individuals who are constantly seeking self-improvement and growth. Our spirituality deepens, and our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) becomes stronger. We become more conscious of our actions and their impact on ourselves and those around us. This leads to a more harmonious and just society, as each individual strives to embody the values and teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of not only accepting admonition but also actively implementing the lessons learned into our lives. It calls upon us to be individuals who constantly seek self-improvement and strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain spiritual growth, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to accept admonition and put it into action.