Hadith #6936

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

He who scolds [someone] for a sin has not forgiven it.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the need to refrain from scolding or rebuking others for their sins. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (afa) "عَفا" in the Hadith means to forgive or pardon. It signifies the act of letting go of someone's wrongdoing and not holding it against them. The word (qarra'a) "قَرَّعَ" means to scold, reprimand, or rebuke someone. It implies expressing disapproval or criticism towards someone's actions or behavior.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of forgiveness and the importance of refraining from scolding or rebuking others for their sins.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of forgiving others and restraining anger, which aligns with the message of the Hadith. It encourages Muslims to forgive and pardon others, even in difficult circumstances.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah says,

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and overlooking the faults of others, as it leads to Allah's forgiveness and mercy upon oneself.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that scolding or rebuking someone for their sins does not lead to their forgiveness. Instead, it may perpetuate a cycle of negativity and resentment. It is essential for Muslims to adopt a forgiving and compassionate attitude towards others, just as Allah forgives and shows mercy to His creation.

When we scold or rebuke someone for their sins, we may inadvertently discourage them from seeking forgiveness and repentance. Instead, we should strive to guide and advise them gently, reminding them of the importance of seeking Allah's forgiveness and turning back to Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us through this Hadith that forgiveness is a noble trait that brings about unity and harmony within the Muslim community. By forgiving others and refraining from scolding them for their sins, we create an environment of compassion, understanding, and growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and the need to refrain from scolding or rebuking others for their sins. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of forgiveness and the importance of overlooking the faults of others. As Muslims, let us strive to embody these qualities and foster an atmosphere of forgiveness, compassion, and understanding within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to forgive and seek forgiveness.