Hadith #7905

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,

المَنْعُ الجَمِيلُ أحْسَنُ مِنَ الوَعْدِ الطَّويلِ

which translates to

A polite refusal is better than a protracted promise.

This concise statement holds deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their interactions and commitments.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (al-mana') "المَنْعُ" refers to a polite refusal or declining something in a respectful manner. It signifies the act of gracefully declining an offer or request without causing offense or harm. On the other hand, (al-jameel) "الجَمِيلُ" means beautiful or good. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good manners and etiquettes in our interactions.

The phrase (ahsanu min) "أحْسَنُ مِنَ" means "better than." It highlights the superiority of a polite refusal over a (al-waad al-tawil) "الوَعْدِ الطَّويلِ", which can be translated as a protracted or lengthy promise. This implies that it is more virtuous and commendable to politely decline something rather than making a prolonged commitment that may not be fulfilled.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises. It teaches us that true righteousness lies in fulfilling our commitments and obligations. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a nuanced perspective by highlighting the significance of a polite refusal. It reminds us that it is better to decline a commitment politely than to make a promise that we may not be able to fulfill.

Another verse that supports the wisdom of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 34:

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments and warns against approaching the property of orphans unjustly. It reminds us of the accountability we have for our promises and commitments. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) adds another layer of wisdom by highlighting the value of a polite refusal. It teaches us that it is better to decline an offer respectfully than to make a promise that we may not be able to fulfill, especially when it comes to matters involving the rights of others.

Reflecting on the profound wisdom of this Hadith, we can see its practical implications in our daily lives. It encourages us to prioritize sincerity and honesty in our interactions. Sometimes, due to various reasons, we may not be able to fulfill a commitment, and in such cases, it is better to politely decline rather than making a promise that we cannot keep. By doing so, we uphold the values of integrity, respect, and consideration for others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of a polite refusal over a protracted promise. It reminds us to prioritize good manners and integrity in our interactions. By politely declining when necessary, we uphold the values of honesty and sincerity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and grant us the wisdom to navigate our commitments with grace and integrity.