Hadith #903

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الآدابُ حُلَلٌ مُجَدَّدَةٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Etiquettes are renewed vestments.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (adab) "آداب" in this Hadith refers to etiquettes or manners. It encompasses the proper behavior, conduct, and decorum that a Muslim should exhibit in various aspects of life. These etiquettes are not stagnant or fixed, but rather, they are (hulalun mujaddadah) "حُلَلٌ مُجَدَّدَةٌ" - renewed vestments. This phrase signifies that etiquettes are not rigid or unchanging, but rather, they need to be constantly updated and renewed to adapt to the changing circumstances and challenges of life.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of etiquettes and manners in numerous verses. For example, 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...

This verse highlights the importance of respecting and treating others with kindness, regardless of their background or status. It reminds us to refrain from ridiculing or insulting others, as this goes against the etiquettes of Islam.

Furthermore, 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 importance of cooperation in acts of righteousness and piety, while discouraging cooperation in sinful and aggressive behavior. It highlights the etiquettes of collaboration and unity in pursuing good deeds, while avoiding actions that harm others or transgress the boundaries set by Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that etiquettes are not mere formalities or superficial practices. They are like "mujaddadah" - renewed vestments that need to be constantly updated and adapted to the changing circumstances of life. Just as we change our physical clothing according to the seasons and occasions, we should also update our etiquettes to align with the evolving needs of society and the challenges we face.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect upon their etiquettes and evaluate whether they are in line with the teachings of Islam. It urges us to continuously seek knowledge and guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was known for his profound knowledge and exemplary manners.

By renewing our etiquettes, we can foster a harmonious and compassionate society, where individuals treat one another with respect, kindness, and empathy. It is through the practice of these renewed etiquettes that we can strengthen our relationships, resolve conflicts, and promote a culture of peace and justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that etiquettes are not stagnant or fixed, but rather, they are renewed vestments that need to be constantly updated and adapted to the changing circumstances of life. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can cultivate a society that upholds the highest standards of manners and ethics. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these renewed etiquettes and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.