Hadith #3464

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a powerful statement that highlights the unwelcome nature of certain faces that are only seen during times of evil. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (unwelcome) "لامَرحَباً" in the Hadith refers to those individuals whose presence is not desired or appreciated. These are the faces that are not seen except in every evil situation. The word (faces) "وُجوه" signifies the outward appearance of a person, which can reflect their inner character and intentions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with justice and fairness, regardless of their beliefs or actions towards us. It reminds us that our interactions with others should be based on righteousness and justice, rather than prejudice or animosity. Therefore, those faces that are only seen in evil situations are unwelcome because they represent individuals who do not uphold these principles of justice and righteousness.

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. 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, insults, and offensive behavior towards others. It teaches us to refrain from judging others based on their outward appearances or actions, as they may possess qualities and virtues that are hidden from our sight. Therefore, those faces that are only seen in evil situations are unwelcome because they represent individuals who engage in ridicule, insults, and offensive behavior towards others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to be cautious of those individuals whose presence is only associated with evil circumstances. These faces are unwelcome because they symbolize individuals who lack righteousness, justice, and respect for others. They are not seen in times of goodness, compassion, or virtue, but only emerge when evil prevails.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who embody the values of righteousness, justice, and respect. We should strive to be among those whose faces are seen in times of goodness and compassion, spreading positivity and contributing to the betterment of society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be among those whose presence is welcomed in all situations, and protect us from the company of those whose faces are only seen in evil circumstances. Ameen.