أشْعِر قَلْبَكَ الرَّحْمَةَ لِجَميعِ النَّاسِ والإحْسانَ إلَيْهِمْ تُنِلْهُمْ حَيْفاً وَلاتَكُنْ عَلَيْهِمْ سَيْفاً۔
Make your heart feel compassion for all people and [show] kindness towards them, [and] do not oppress them or terrorize them.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Mercy And Compassion)
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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having a compassionate heart and treating others with kindness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.
The first important word in this Hadith is (rahmah) "رَحْمَةَ", which means compassion or mercy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is described as the Most Merciful (الرَّحْمَـٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ) numerous times in the Quran. His mercy encompasses all of creation, and as Muslims, we are encouraged to reflect this attribute in our own lives. Allah says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107),
And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.
This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a mercy to all of humanity, and by extension, we are also called upon to embody mercy in our interactions with others.
The second important word is (ihsan) "إِحْسَانَ", which translates to kindness or excellence. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to do good and be kind to others. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah says,
And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and excellence towards others. By treating others with kindness, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also create an environment of love and compassion.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us not to oppress or terrorize others. This is a reminder to refrain from any form of injustice or harm towards fellow human beings. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) explicitly condemns oppression and injustice. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,
And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah.
This verse highlights the importance of standing against oppression and seeking justice for those who are wronged.
By following the teachings of this Hadith, we can create a society based on compassion, kindness, and justice. When we have a compassionate heart, we are more inclined to understand the struggles and challenges faced by others. This understanding leads us to treat them with kindness and empathy, which in turn fosters a sense of unity and harmony among people.
By refraining from oppressing or terrorizing others, we uphold the principles of justice and fairness. When we treat others with respect and dignity, we contribute to the well-being and happiness of society as a whole. Our actions have a ripple effect, influencing those around us to also adopt these virtuous qualities.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of cultivating a compassionate heart and treating others with kindness. His words echo the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the significance of mercy, kindness, and justice in our interactions with others.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to embody compassion, kindness, and justice in their daily lives. By doing so, we contribute to the creation of a harmonious and just society, fulfilling our duty as believers and followers of the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be compassionate and kind towards others and protect us from oppressing or terrorizing anyone.
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