Hadith #10269

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,

عامِلْ سائِرَ النّاسِ بِالإنْصافِ وعامِلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ بِالإيثارِ

which can be translated as,

Treat all the [other] people with equity but treat the believers with altruism [and prefer them over yourself].

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word "عامِلْ" means to treat or deal with, while "سائِرَ النّاسِ" refers to all other people, encompassing both Muslims and non-Muslims. "بِالإنْصافِ" means with justice and fairness. On the other hand, "الْمُؤْمِنِينَ" refers specifically to the believers, and "بِالإيثارِ" means with selflessness and preference.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating all people with fairness and equality, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. It reminds us that our diversity is a means for us to come to know one another, and that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. Hence, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this Quranic principle by urging us to treat all people with equity.

However, the Hadith goes further by highlighting the special treatment that should be given to the believers. This is in line with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of brotherhood and unity among the believers. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the exemplary behavior of the Ansar, the residents of Madinah who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun, the immigrants from Makkah. They loved their fellow believers and preferred them over themselves, even when they themselves were in need. This selflessness and preference for the believers is a characteristic of true believers, as emphasized in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The motivation behind treating the believers with altruism is rooted in the understanding of the unity and love that should exist within the Muslim community. By prioritizing the well-being and needs of fellow believers, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and foster a sense of unity and solidarity. This selflessness also reflects the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who said,

None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. When we treat all people with equity and believers with altruism, we create an atmosphere of justice, compassion, and unity. This fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion within the Muslim community, and it also serves as a means of inviting others towards the beauty of Islam. By embodying these values, we become ambassadors of our faith, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to treat all people with equity and fairness, while giving preference and selflessness to the believers. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principles of justice, unity, and love for one another. By embodying these values, we contribute to the building of a just and compassionate society, and we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to implement these teachings in our lives and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.