Hadith #7959

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the act of belittling others for their actions while being guilty of the same or similar actions oneself. The word used in the Hadith to describe such a person is (akhrq) "أخْرَقُ", which can be translated as "imbecile" or "foolish." This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their own behavior and to avoid hypocrisy and arrogance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:11)

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. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers

This verse emphasizes the importance of not ridiculing or belittling others. It reminds Muslims that they should not judge others based on their actions, as only Allah knows the true worth of a person. Belittling others not only displays arrogance but also undermines the principle of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also says, (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

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions about others and refraining from backbiting. Belittling others often stems from making negative assumptions about their intentions or character. Muslims are urged to have a positive mindset, giving others the benefit of the doubt and avoiding gossip or slander.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that belittling others for their actions while being guilty of the same is not only foolish but also goes against the teachings of Islam. It is a manifestation of hypocrisy and arrogance, which are condemned in the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wisdom lies in self-reflection and self-improvement. Rather than focusing on the faults of others, Muslims should strive to rectify their own shortcomings and lead by example. By doing so, we contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society, where individuals are valued for their efforts to improve themselves rather than being ridiculed for their mistakes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid belittling others for their actions while being guilty of the same or similar actions themselves. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and avoiding hypocrisy and arrogance. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny, we can strive to be better individuals and contribute to a more compassionate and united Muslim community.