Hadith #11040

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

مَنْ وَعَظَكَ أحْسَنَ إلَيْكَ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Whoever admonishes you [to act righteously] has done you a favor.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (wa'azhaka) "وَعَظَكَ" comes from the root word (wa'iza) "وَعِظَ", which means to advise, admonish, or counsel. It implies the act of guiding someone towards righteousness and reminding them of their duties and responsibilities.

The word (ahsana) "أحْسَنَ" is derived from the root word (hasuna) "حَسُنَ", which means to do good, to excel, or to improve. In this context, it refers to the act of advising someone in the best possible manner, with sincerity and kindness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that when someone advises or admonishes you, they are actually doing you a favor. This Hadith highlights the importance of accepting constructive criticism and guidance from others, as it can lead to personal growth and spiritual development.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of accepting advice and admonition. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 29:45)

And take, [O Muhammad], what comes to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do

This verse encourages us to accept the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ), which includes accepting advice and admonition.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, where Allah says, (Quran 60:1)

O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth, having driven out the Prophet and yourselves [only] because you believe in Allah, your Lord. If you have come out for jihad in My cause and seeking means to My approval, [take them not as friends]. You confide to them affection, but I am most knowing of what you have concealed and what you have declared. And whoever does it among you has certainly strayed from the soundness of the way

This verse warns the believers against taking disbelievers as allies, even if they show affection towards them. It reminds us that true friends are those who advise and guide us towards righteousness, not those who lead us astray. Therefore, accepting admonition from sincere and well-intentioned individuals is a blessing from Allah, as it helps us stay on the right path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when someone advises us, they are doing us a favor by helping us rectify our actions and improve ourselves. This Hadith encourages us to be open to constructive criticism and to appreciate those who sincerely guide us towards righteousness. It reminds us that accepting advice with humility and gratitude is a sign of wisdom and maturity.

By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can foster a culture of mutual support and growth within the Muslim community. It reminds us that we should not be defensive or dismissive when someone advises us, but rather, we should embrace their counsel with an open heart and mind.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to accept advice and admonition, and may He bless us with the ability to guide others towards righteousness. Ameen.