Hadith #4512

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عامَلَ بِالرِّفقِ غَنِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who acts with leniency, prospers.

Let us now delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (rifq) "رِّفق", which can be translated as leniency, gentleness, or kindness. It implies treating others with compassion, understanding, and tenderness. This concept of rifq is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and is highly valued in our religion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself is described as being gentle and merciful in the Quran, and He encourages us to embody these qualities in our interactions with others.

In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:159)

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the importance of leniency and gentleness in our interactions with others. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was instructed by Allah to be lenient with the people, and this approach was more effective in bringing them closer to the message of Islam. If the Prophet (ﷺ) had been harsh and rude, people would have turned away from him. Therefore, the act of treating others with leniency and kindness leads to prosperity in various aspects of life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the positive outcomes that result from acting with leniency. When we treat others with gentleness and compassion, we create an environment of harmony and understanding. This fosters strong relationships, builds trust, and promotes unity within the Muslim community. Moreover, acting with leniency can also have a transformative effect on individuals. It can soften hearts, change attitudes, and inspire others to adopt a similar approach in their own interactions.

In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:46)

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds us of the importance of avoiding disputes and conflicts, and instead, approaching situations with leniency and patience. By doing so, we maintain our strength and unity as a Muslim community, and we are more likely to prosper in our endeavors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of acting with leniency and gentleness. It is a reminder to Muslims that by embodying these qualities in our interactions, we can achieve prosperity in various aspects of our lives. The Quranic verses provided highlight the importance of leniency and patience, and how they contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim community. Let us strive to follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by treating others with kindness, compassion, and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these noble qualities and bring about prosperity in our lives and the lives of those around us.