Hadith #9682

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 best magnanimity is preserving goodwill [and affection].

This profound statement highlights the importance of maintaining and nurturing positive relationships with others. To understand the deeper meaning of this hadith, let us delve into the key words and their significance.

The word "ahsan" in Arabic means "the best" or "the most excellent." It denotes the highest level of goodness and virtue. "Al-muruwwah" refers to magnanimity, nobility, and excellence in character. It encompasses qualities such as generosity, kindness, and benevolence. "Hifz" means to preserve, protect, or safeguard, while "al-wudd" refers to goodwill, affection, and love.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of maintaining good relations and preserving goodwill in numerous verses.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. It reminds us that Allah has blessed us with the gift of Islam, which unites our hearts and brings us together as one Ummah. Preserving goodwill and affection is essential for maintaining this unity and strengthening our bonds as brothers and sisters in faith.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes among believers. It encourages us to act as peacemakers and to preserve the bonds of brotherhood. By doing so, we not only maintain goodwill but also earn the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Reflecting on the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that preserving goodwill and affection is not only a virtuous act but also a means of strengthening the fabric of our community. When we maintain positive relationships and treat others with kindness and respect, we contribute to a harmonious and loving society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that true magnanimity lies in preserving goodwill and affection. This entails going beyond mere tolerance and actively seeking to build and maintain strong bonds of love and friendship with others. It involves forgiving, reconciling, and treating others with compassion, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts.

By embodying this teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can create an environment of love and unity within our Muslim community. We can foster an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, supported, and cherished. This, in turn, leads to a stronger and more resilient Ummah, capable of facing the challenges of the world with grace and dignity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to preserve goodwill and affection in our relationships. May He unite our hearts and bless us with a community that is bound together by love, compassion, and mutual respect.