Hadith #6679

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Treating the enemy with kindness is one of the two victories.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of displaying kindness and compassion even towards those who may oppose or harm us. To fully understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (akhdh) "أخْذُ" in Arabic refers to taking hold of something or someone. In this context, it signifies the act of dealing with an enemy or adversary. (al-'aduww) "العَدُوِّ" translates to "the enemy," representing someone who is in opposition or conflict with us. (bil-fadl) "بِالفَضْلِ" means "with kindness" or "through grace." It emphasizes the importance of treating the enemy with benevolence, generosity, and fairness.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Fussilat (41:34),

Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better. Then the one who was your enemy will become your dearest friend.

This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of treating the enemy with kindness, as it encourages us to respond to evil with goodness. By doing so, we have the potential to transform animosity into friendship and create a positive change in the hearts of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

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 fairness and justice in our dealings with others, even those who may not share our beliefs or values. It reminds us that Islam encourages treating all individuals, regardless of their stance towards us, with kindness and justice.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that treating the enemy with kindness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of strength and wisdom. By responding to hostility with compassion, we have the opportunity to win over hearts, change perspectives, and foster peace. This approach aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of harmony.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and ability to treat even his adversaries with kindness and fairness are well-documented. One notable example is the Battle of Khandaq (the Trench), where Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) displayed immense bravery and compassion by sparing the life of his opponent, Amr ibn Abd Wudd. Despite having the upper hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose to show mercy and kindness, setting an example for all Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of treating the enemy with kindness as a means of achieving victory. It reminds us that responding to hostility with compassion and fairness has the power to transform hearts, foster reconciliation, and promote peace. By following the guidance of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to embody this noble principle and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to treat others with kindness, even in the face of adversity.