Hadith #9618

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who is not lenient with the one who is under him will not obtain what he requires.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of treating those under our authority with kindness and compassion. To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (lam yalin) "لَمْ يَلِنْ" in the Hadith refers to not being lenient or gentle. It implies being harsh, strict, or unkind towards those who are subordinate to us. On the other hand, (liman doonahu) "لِمَنْ دُونَهُ" means those who are under our authority or beneath us in rank or position. This could include employees, subordinates, family members, or anyone who is dependent on us.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness, mercy, and good treatment towards others. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah 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 reminds us not to belittle or mock others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah. It highlights the need for humility and respect towards all individuals, regardless of their social status or position. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah commands us to speak to people in a kind and gentle manner, saying,

And 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 emphasizes the importance of using kind and gentle words when communicating with others. It reminds us that our speech should always be characterized by goodness and sincerity, as this fosters unity and harmony among people.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences of not adhering to the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. When we are harsh and unkind towards those under our authority, we create an environment of fear, resentment, and animosity. This can lead to a breakdown in communication, decreased productivity, and a lack of trust within the relationships. Moreover, it goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of justice, compassion, and mercy in all aspects of life.

On the other hand, when we treat those under our authority with kindness and leniency, we foster an environment of trust, respect, and cooperation. This leads to increased productivity, better communication, and stronger relationships. It also aligns with the teachings of Islam, which encourage us to be compassionate and merciful towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being lenient and kind towards those who are under our authority. It serves as a reminder to treat others with respect, compassion, and fairness, regardless of their social status or position. By doing so, we not only fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims but also create a harmonious and productive environment for all. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to implement these teachings in our lives and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.