Hadith #7634

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be cautious and mindful of their actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be wary of any action that, when questioned about it, causes one to feel ashamed and deny it.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ihtathar) "اِحْذَرْ" means to be cautious, to be on guard, or to be wary. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and mindfulness in our actions. The word (kulla) "كُلَّ" means every or all, indicating that this advice applies to all actions, big or small.

The phrase (amal) "عَمَل" refers to any action or deed performed by an individual. It encompasses both physical actions and the intentions behind them. It reminds us that our actions are not limited to the physical realm but also include our thoughts, intentions, and attitudes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness by stating that when the doer of an action is questioned about it, they should feel ashamed and deny it. This implies that the action in question is one that goes against the principles of righteousness and morality. It is an action that the person knows deep down is wrong, and they feel a sense of guilt and shame when confronted about it.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us of the importance of being cautious of our words and actions. It teaches us to refrain from ridiculing or insulting others, as it is a form of disobedience and wrongdoing. When we engage in such behavior, we should feel ashamed and deny it, seeking repentance and rectification.

Another verse that aligns with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that we are accountable for our actions, and we should be cautious not to burden ourselves with actions that we cannot bear the consequences of. When we engage in such actions, we should feel ashamed and deny them, seeking forgiveness and striving to rectify our behavior.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to be conscious of our actions and their consequences. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness, encouraging us to refrain from engaging in actions that go against our moral compass. When we find ourselves in situations where we feel ashamed and deny our actions, it serves as a wake-up call to rectify our behavior and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith teaches us the importance of integrity and accountability in our actions. It reminds us that our actions are a reflection of our character and faith. By being cautious and mindful of our actions, we can strive to align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be mindful of our actions and to seek His forgiveness when we fall short.