Hadith #4021

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,

The safety of [one’s] religion and worldly life is in being amicable with the people.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others in order to safeguard both our religious and worldly affairs.

Let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (salamatu) "سَلامَةُ" means safety, security, or well-being. It refers to the state of being free from harm or danger. (ad-din) "الدّينِ" means religion, encompassing one's faith, beliefs, and religious practices. (ad-dunya) "الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly life, including our material possessions, relationships, and social interactions. (mudarat) "مُداراةِ" means to interact or deal with others in a kind and amicable manner. And finally, (an-nas) "النّاسِ" refers to people in general.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others and treating them with kindness and respect. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10, Allah says,

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of fostering harmonious relationships among believers and reminds us of the need to treat others with kindness and compassion.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, Allah commands us to

worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards others and treating them with kindness and generosity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the connection between our relationships with others and our overall well-being. When we interact with people in a kind and amicable manner, we create an atmosphere of trust, harmony, and cooperation. This not only strengthens our social bonds but also ensures the safety and security of our religious and worldly affairs.

When we are amicable with others, we build bridges of understanding and empathy. This leads to a peaceful coexistence and fosters an environment where we can freely practice our religion without fear of persecution or discrimination. Moreover, maintaining good relations with others opens doors of opportunity, both in our personal and professional lives. It allows us to establish networks of support, seek guidance, and collaborate on projects that benefit society as a whole.

On the other hand, if we neglect our relationships with others and adopt an attitude of hostility or indifference, we risk isolating ourselves and creating animosity. This can have severe consequences for our religious and worldly affairs. Our faith may become weakened, as we may find ourselves devoid of the support and encouragement that comes from being part of a community. Our worldly affairs may also suffer, as we may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and development.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of maintaining good relations with others. He exemplified this through his interactions with people from all walks of life, regardless of their social status or religious affiliation. His approach was rooted in kindness, compassion, and justice, which earned him the respect and admiration of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the safety and well-being of our religion and worldly life lie in being amicable with others. By treating people with kindness, respect, and empathy, we create an environment of harmony and cooperation. This not only strengthens our social bonds but also ensures the security of our religious and worldly affairs. Let us strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our interactions with others, for it is through these relationships that we can truly flourish as individuals and as a community.