Hadith #9791

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَيْسَ المَلَقُ مِنْ خُلْقِ الأنْبِياءِ۔

This can be translated as,

Flattery is not part of the character of Prophets.

Let us first understand the meaning of the word (malaaq) "مَلَقُ" in this context. "مَلَقُ" refers to excessive praise or flattery that is insincere and devoid of truth. It is a form of speech or behavior that is used to gain favor or manipulate others. The Prophets, being the perfect examples of human beings, were free from such behavior.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:33),

قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّيَ الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَالْإِثْمَ وَالْبَغْيَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا بِاللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَانًا وَأَن تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

which means,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of immoral behavior, including flattery, falsehood, and associating partners with Allah. Flattery falls under the category of falsehood and deception, which are condemned in Islam. The Prophets, being the bearers of divine guidance, were free from such behavior as they were entrusted with the task of conveying the truth to humanity.

Another verse that supports the concept of avoiding flattery is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاءٌ مِّن نِّسَاءٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ ۖ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ ۖ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

which means,

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 highlights the importance of avoiding mockery, ridicule, and offensive nicknames. Flattery can also be seen as a form of mockery, as it involves insincere praise that is intended to deceive or manipulate others. Muslims are advised to treat each other with respect and dignity, refraining from any behavior that may harm or belittle others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to be sincere in their words and actions, avoiding flattery and insincerity. By doing so, we uphold the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of the Prophets.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that flattery is not befitting the character of the Prophets. It is a form of insincerity and falsehood that goes against the teachings of Islam. Muslims are encouraged to be truthful, sincere, and respectful in their interactions with others, following the example of the Prophets and their noble character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to uphold these virtues and protect us from the pitfalls of flattery.