Hadith #185

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاَ مَرْحَباً بِوُجُوهٍ لاَ تُرَى إِلاَّ عِنْدَ كُلِّ سَوْأَةٍ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Woe to the faces who are seen only on foul occasions.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (marhaban) "مَرْحَباً" in the Hadith refers to welcome or greeting. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the lack of welcome or acceptance for those individuals whose faces are only seen during times of calamity or misfortune. These faces are not seen in times of joy, prosperity, or when there is a need for positive contributions. They are only present when there is a negative event or a foul occasion.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of consistency and sincerity in our actions and intentions. It urges us to reflect upon the quality of our relationships and the authenticity of our interactions with others. Are we present and supportive in times of happiness and success, or do we only show up when there is a problem or a negative situation?

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of sincerity and genuine intentions in our interactions with others. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the need for genuine cooperation and support in matters of righteousness and goodness. It discourages us from being present only in times of wrongdoing or harm.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse teaches us not to judge or belittle others based on their outward appearance or circumstances. It reminds us to look beyond the surface and recognize the potential goodness in every individual, regardless of their current situation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be genuine and consistent in our relationships. It encourages us to be present and supportive in both good and bad times. We should strive to be a source of comfort, assistance, and positivity for others, rather than appearing only when there is trouble or misfortune.

When we embody the teachings of this Hadith, we create an environment of trust, love, and unity within the Muslim community. Our actions become a reflection of the true teachings of Islam, which emphasize compassion, empathy, and genuine care for one another.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be sincere and consistent in our relationships, and may He grant us the ability to be a source of support and positivity for others in all circumstances.