Hadith #6801

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us important principles of conduct and interaction with others. Let us delve into the meaning and implications of this profound saying in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Be friendly with the one who is friendly with you.

The word used here for "friendly" is (إدْلالَ) "idlaal", which refers to someone who shows kindness, favors, and good treatment towards you. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to reciprocate this kindness and to respond in a similar manner. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of treating others with kindness and respect. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

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 brotherhood and maintaining good relations with fellow Muslims.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Accept the excuse of the one who seeks your pardon.

The word used here for "excuse" is (اعْتَذَرَ) "i'thara", which refers to seeking forgiveness or pardon. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be forgiving and understanding when someone seeks our forgiveness. This teaching is in line with the Quranic concept of forgiveness and mercy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:22),

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us of the importance of forgiving others and seeking forgiveness ourselves, as it is a means to attain Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

The third part of the Hadith states,

Do good to the one who wrongs you.

The word used here for "do good" is (أحْسِنْ) "ahsin", which means to act with excellence and kindness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to respond to those who wrong us with goodness and kindness. This teaching reflects the Quranic principle of responding to evil with good. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Fussilat (41:34),

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse encourages us to respond to evil with acts of kindness and goodness, as it has the potential to transform enmity into friendship.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of maintaining good relations, forgiving others, and responding to wrongdoing with kindness. It reminds us of the Quranic principles of brotherhood, forgiveness, and responding to evil with good. By following these teachings, we can foster harmonious relationships and contribute to a more compassionate and just society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody these teachings in our interactions with others and grant us the ability to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).