Hadith #2162

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) highlights the concept of "judiciousness" or "hazm" in Arabic. Hazm refers to the ability to make wise and balanced decisions, especially in dealing with opposing viewpoints and enemies. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the perfection of hazm lies in seeking to reform one's opponents and being amicable with one's enemies.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and forgiveness in dealing with others, even those who may oppose or harm us.

In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse teaches us that even when faced with opponents who do not fight us because of our religion, we are still commanded to treat them with righteousness and justice. This aligns perfectly with the concept of seeking to reform one's opponents, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Instead of harboring animosity or seeking revenge, we are encouraged to engage in dialogue and strive for positive change.

Furthermore, in Surah Fussilat (41:34), Allah says,

Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better. Then the one who was once your enemy may become your dearest friend.

This verse beautifully illustrates the essence of being amicable with one's enemies. By responding to evil with goodness and kindness, we have the potential to transform our enemies into allies and friends. This approach not only promotes peace and harmony but also reflects the highest level of moral character.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a holistic approach in dealing with opposing viewpoints and enemies. It encourages us to rise above the instinctual desire for retaliation and instead focus on seeking reform and reconciliation.

Practically applying this concept, let us consider a scenario where a Muslim is faced with an opponent who holds prejudiced views against Islam. Instead of responding with anger or hostility, the Muslim can engage in respectful dialogue, presenting the true teachings of Islam and addressing any misconceptions. By doing so, the Muslim seeks to reform the opponent's misguided beliefs and foster understanding.

Similarly, when faced with enemies who may have harmed us or our community, we are encouraged to respond with kindness and forgiveness. This approach not only disarms our enemies but also opens the door for reconciliation and the possibility of transforming them into allies and supporters.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of judiciousness in dealing with opponents and enemies. It calls upon Muslims to seek reform rather than revenge, and to be amicable rather than hostile. By following this guidance, we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these principles in our interactions with others.