Hadith #10581

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 Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not sanction for yourself that [action] which you would disapprove of from others.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability in our actions and behaviors.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tastahsin) "تَسْتَحْسِنْ" means to sanction or approve, while (tastankiruhu) "تَسْتَنْكِرُهُ" means to disapprove or condemn. These words highlight the contrast between our own perception of our actions and how we would view the same actions if performed by others.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, as these actions are condemned by Allah. It draws our attention to the fact that we would detest someone speaking ill of us, just as we should detest speaking ill of others. This aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, as it urges us to refrain from sanctioning actions for ourselves that we would disapprove of from others.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before forming judgments or taking actions. It encourages us to refrain from engaging in actions that we would disapprove of if we had full knowledge of their consequences.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it serves as a powerful reminder of the need for self-accountability and introspection. It urges us to be conscious of our actions and to hold ourselves to the same standards that we expect from others.

By adhering to this teaching, we can foster a sense of empathy and fairness in our interactions with others. It encourages us to treat others with respect and kindness, just as we would expect to be treated. This principle is essential for maintaining harmonious relationships within our communities and promoting a just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be mindful of our actions and to refrain from sanctioning behaviors for ourselves that we would disapprove of from others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, backbiting, and pursuing knowledge before making judgments. By adhering to this guidance, we can cultivate a sense of fairness, empathy, and self-accountability in our lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our daily lives.