Hadith #10746

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ عامَلَ النّاسَ بِالْجَمِيلِ كافَؤوُهُ بِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever deals with the people in a beautiful manner, they respond to him in a similar fashion.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (deals) "عامَلَ" refers to one's actions and behavior towards others. It encompasses not only our words, but also our deeds and intentions. It emphasizes the importance of treating people with kindness, respect, and fairness in all aspects of our interactions.

The word (the people) "النّاسَ" in this Hadith encompasses all individuals, regardless of their background, religion, or social status. It emphasizes the universality of this principle and encourages Muslims to extend their benevolence to all members of society.

The word (in a beautiful manner) "بِالْجَمِيلِ" signifies the importance of adopting a virtuous and noble approach in our dealings with others. It encourages us to go beyond mere civility and to treat others with utmost kindness, compassion, and generosity. This includes being patient, forgiving, and understanding, even in challenging situations.

The Hadith highlights the reciprocal nature of human interactions. It states that when we treat people with goodness and beauty, they will respond to us in a similar manner. This principle is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

Tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages Muslims to choose their words wisely and to speak in a manner that is pleasing and beneficial. By doing so, we can foster harmony and unity among people.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of doing good to others, just as Allah has bestowed His blessings upon us. It encourages Muslims to be agents of positive change and to contribute to the well-being of society.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are manifold. When we treat others with kindness and beauty, we create an environment of love, compassion, and understanding. This fosters strong relationships, builds trust, and promotes social harmony. It also reflects the true essence of Islam, which is based on mercy, justice, and compassion.

Moreover, the Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to constantly strive to improve their character and conduct. It reminds us that our actions have a direct impact on how others perceive Islam and Muslims. By embodying the teachings of this Hadith, we can be ambassadors of Islam and inspire others to embrace its principles.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of treating people with kindness and beauty. It encourages Muslims to adopt a virtuous approach in their interactions and highlights the reciprocal nature of human relationships. By adhering to this Hadith, we can create a society characterized by love, compassion, and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody these noble qualities and to be a source of goodness for others.