Hadith #5542

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 advises us to

Stick to the earth, be patient in trials, and do not move your hands and follow the fancy of your tongues [in order to start quarrels].

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (al-ardh) "الأرْضَ", which means "the earth." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to stick to the earth, which signifies the importance of stability and steadfastness. Just as the earth remains firm and unyielding, we should also remain grounded in our faith and principles, especially during times of trials and tribulations.

The second important word is (al-balā') "البَلاءِ", which means "trials" or "afflictions." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be patient in the face of these trials. This echoes the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against moving our hands and following the fancy of our tongues. This emphasizes the importance of restraint and self-control, especially when it comes to engaging in conflicts and arguments. The Quran also emphasizes the significance of guarding our tongues and avoiding unnecessary disputes. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, patient in times of trials, and to avoid unnecessary conflicts. By adhering to these teachings, we can maintain harmony within ourselves and in our communities. It also highlights the importance of self-discipline and controlling our impulses, as this leads to a more peaceful and productive society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to remain grounded in their faith, patient in the face of trials, and to exercise self-control in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts. By following these teachings, we can strive towards a more harmonious and peaceful society, in line with the principles and values of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.