Hadith #6685

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani istaslaḥa al-aḍdād balagha al-murād.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of reforming and reconciling with one's opponents in order to achieve one's goals. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "istaslaḥa" in the Hadith means to reform or reconcile. It implies making amends and finding common ground with those who oppose us. This is a powerful concept that encourages Muslims to strive for unity and harmony, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran of the importance of reconciliation in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10:

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

Furthermore, the phrase "al-aḍdād" refers to opponents or adversaries. It encompasses those who hold differing opinions, engage in conflicts, or are at odds with us. The Hadith encourages us to not only seek reconciliation with our opponents but also to actively work towards reforming our relationships with them. This can be achieved through dialogue, understanding, and empathy.

The Hadith then states, "balagha al-murād," which means attaining one's goal. This implies that by reforming and reconciling with our opponents, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our desired outcomes. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises success to those who strive for unity and peace. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

To illustrate the significance of this Hadith, let us consider an example. Imagine two individuals who have opposing political views. They engage in heated debates, constantly criticizing and belittling each other. However, one of them decides to follow the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and takes the initiative to reconcile with the other person. They engage in a respectful and open conversation, seeking to understand each other's perspectives. Through this process, they find common ground and develop a mutual respect for one another. As a result, they are able to work together towards a shared goal, such as advocating for social justice. This example demonstrates how reforming and reconciling with opponents can lead to positive outcomes and the achievement of one's goals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of reforming and reconciling with our opponents in order to attain our goals. It encourages Muslims to strive for unity, understanding, and empathy, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts. By following this advice, we can foster harmonious relationships and work towards a better society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in implementing this teaching in our lives and grant us success in our endeavors.