Hadith #10749

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of sincere and genuine concern for others. The key words in this Hadith are (most concerned) "أشْفَقُ", (most helpful to them) "أعْوَنُهُمْ", (improving oneself) "صَلاحِ نَفْسِكَ", (advising them) "أنْصَحُهُمْ", and (with regards to religion) "في دِينِكَ".

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of sincere concern for others in Surah Al-Asr, where He says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) highlights the significance of advising one another towards truth and patience. This advice is not limited to worldly matters but also extends to matters of religion. It is through sincere concern and guidance that individuals can improve themselves and strive towards righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of sincere advice and warns against suspicion and backbiting. He says, (Quran 49:12)

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful

From these ayats, we can understand that sincere concern for others involves advising them towards truth, righteousness, and patience, while refraining from negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. It is through this sincere concern that individuals can improve themselves and strengthen their faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of sincere concern for others. He exemplified this in his own life by advising and guiding people towards the path of righteousness. His concern for others was not limited to their worldly affairs but extended to their spiritual well-being as well.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teachings and actions are a testament to his deep understanding of the Quranic principles of sincere concern and advice. He advised people to seek knowledge and understanding of their religion, to purify their hearts from arrogance and pride, and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of their lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) believed that true concern for others involves not only providing material assistance but also guiding them towards the path of spiritual growth. He understood that true improvement and reform can only be achieved when individuals are sincerely advised and guided in matters of religion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sincere concern for others and the role it plays in improving oneself and guiding others in matters of religion. It reminds us of the Quranic teachings that highlight the significance of advising one another towards truth, righteousness, and patience. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and sincerely advise and guide one another in our journey towards spiritual growth and righteousness.