Hadith #8773

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

قُلُوبُ الرِّجالِ وَحْشِيَّةٌ، فَمَنْ تَألَّفَها أقْبَلَتْ إلَيْهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

The hearts of men are wild, so whoever shows them affection [and tames them], they turn towards him.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (qulub) "قُلُوبُ" refers to the hearts of men. It signifies the innermost core of a person, encompassing their emotions, thoughts, and desires. The term (wahshiyyah) "وَحْشِيَّةٌ" is derived from the root word (wahsh) "وَحْش", which means wildness or untamed nature. It implies that the hearts of men have a tendency to be unruly and untamed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever shows affection and kindness towards these wild hearts, they turn towards him. This Hadith highlights the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, even when they may seem difficult or unapproachable. It teaches us that by showing love and understanding, we can win over the hearts of others and bring about positive change.

This concept of taming wild hearts through affection and kindness finds support in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of mercy and kindness in dealing with others. It shows that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was able to win the hearts of people by being gentle and compassionate towards them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And [moreover], He has put affection between their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but Allah brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and Wise.

This verse highlights the role of Allah in bringing affection and love between the hearts of people. It reminds us that it is through the divine intervention and guidance that hearts can be softened and united.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to approach others with love and kindness, even when they may seem distant or difficult. By doing so, we have the potential to change their hearts and bring them closer to us. This approach is not only beneficial for our relationships with others, but it also aligns with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

When we show affection and kindness towards others, we create an environment of trust and understanding. This can lead to stronger bonds and better communication. It also allows us to influence others positively and guide them towards righteousness. By taming the wild hearts through love and compassion, we can inspire others to embrace goodness and leave behind their negative traits.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of showing affection and kindness towards others, especially when their hearts may seem wild or untamed. By doing so, we can win over their hearts and bring about positive change. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the role of mercy, love, and divine intervention in softening hearts and uniting people. As Muslims, let us strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be kind and compassionate towards all, and may He grant us the ability to tame the wild hearts through love and understanding.