Hadith #2536

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لَمْ يُحْسِنِ الاسْتِعْطافَ قُوبِلَ بِالاِسْتِخْفافِ۔

This Hadith highlights the importance of seeking sympathy and compassion from others. The word (istita'af) "اِسْتِعْطافَ" refers to the act of seeking sympathy or support, while (istikhfaf) "اِسْتِخْفافِ" means to be faced with scorn or contempt.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (3:103)

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. It encourages us to seek support and sympathy from one another, as it is through this unity that our hearts are joined together. When we seek sympathy, we create a bond of compassion and understanding, which strengthens the fabric of our community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:11)

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

This verse reminds us to treat one another with respect and dignity, and to avoid mocking or belittling others. Seeking sympathy from others requires us to have empathy and understanding, rather than scorn or contempt. It encourages us to recognize the potential goodness in others, even if they may differ from us in certain aspects.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It teaches us that seeking sympathy and support from others is not a sign of weakness, but rather a means of fostering unity and strengthening our bonds as Muslims. When we reach out to others for comfort, advice, or understanding, we create an environment of compassion and empathy within our community.

On the other hand, if we neglect to seek sympathy and isolate ourselves, we may be faced with scorn or contempt. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, bitterness, and even further isolation. By seeking sympathy, we open ourselves up to the possibility of receiving support, guidance, and comfort from our fellow Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the importance of seeking sympathy and compassion, not only for personal growth but also for the betterment of the community. His teachings and actions serve as a shining example for Muslims to follow, as he exemplified the qualities of empathy, understanding, and unity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of seeking sympathy and support from others. It encourages us to foster unity, compassion, and understanding within our community. By reaching out to one another and offering our support, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and create a harmonious environment where all Muslims can thrive. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to seek and offer sympathy to our fellow Muslims.