Hadith #6791

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

لايَكُنْ أهْلُكَ وذُو وُدِّكَ (ذُوُوكَ)أشْقَى النّاسِ بِكَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not causing misery to our family or loved ones. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (ahluka) "أهْلُكَ" refers to your family, those who are closest to you, and whom you have a responsibility towards. It includes your spouse, children, parents, and other relatives. The word (wadu wuddika) "وذُو وُدِّكَ" means those whom you love, who hold a special place in your heart. It encompasses your friends, companions, and anyone you have a deep affection for.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to let our actions or behavior cause misery to our family or loved ones. This means that we should strive to be a source of happiness, comfort, and peace for them. Our words, actions, and decisions should never bring them harm or distress. Instead, we should be a source of support, love, and compassion.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds its roots in the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating our family and loved ones with kindness and compassion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:36):

And 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. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse highlights the significance of fulfilling our obligations towards our parents, relatives, and those who are in need. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not approve of those who neglect their responsibilities towards their loved ones. Therefore, we must strive to be dutiful and kind to our family and loved ones, ensuring that our actions bring them happiness and not misery.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah At-Tawbah (9:24):

Say, [O Muhammad], if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

This verse reminds us that our love for our family and worldly possessions should never surpass our love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). While it is natural to have love and affection for our family and loved ones, we must always prioritize our obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). Our actions should never cause misery to our family or loved ones, but our ultimate loyalty and devotion must be to Allah and His teachings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching in this Hadith serves as a reminder for us to reflect upon our actions and their impact on our family and loved ones. It urges us to be mindful of the consequences of our behavior and to strive for harmony and happiness within our relationships. By prioritizing the well-being and happiness of our family and loved ones, we create an environment of love, peace, and tranquility.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of not causing misery to our family or loved ones. It urges us to be a source of happiness, comfort, and peace for them. This teaching finds its roots in the Quran, which emphasizes the significance of treating our family and loved ones with kindness and compassion. By prioritizing their well-being and happiness, we create a harmonious and loving environment within our relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be the best versions of ourselves and grant us the ability to bring happiness and joy to our family and loved ones.