Hadith #9613

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِلينِ الجانِبِ تَأْنَسُ النُّفُوسُ۔

This can be translated as,

Through gentleness, the souls feel at ease.

Let us delve into the meaning of this amazing Hadith. The word (bilin) "بِلينِ" refers to gentleness, kindness, and softness. It implies treating others with tenderness, compassion, and understanding. It is a quality that encompasses humility, patience, and empathy towards others. The word (al-janib) "الجانِبِ" refers to the side or aspect of someone's character. It signifies that gentleness is not just an action, but a fundamental characteristic that should be ingrained in our being.

To understand the significance of gentleness, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

This verse highlights the importance of gentleness in dealing with others. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was instructed by Allah to be gentle and kind towards people, as it fosters unity and strengthens relationships.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse teaches us the virtue of responding to harsh words with gentleness and peace. Instead of engaging in arguments or retaliating with negativity, we are encouraged to maintain composure and respond with kindness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the profound impact of gentleness on the human soul. When we approach others with gentleness, we create an environment of comfort, trust, and tranquility. Gentleness has the power to soothe troubled hearts, alleviate tensions, and bring solace to the souls. It is through gentleness that we can truly connect with others on a deeper level and foster meaningful relationships.

Practicing gentleness not only benefits those around us but also has a transformative effect on our own selves. When we embody gentleness, we cultivate a sense of humility, patience, and empathy within us. We become more aware of the needs and feelings of others, which allows us to respond to them with kindness and understanding. This, in turn, brings about a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Gentleness also has far-reaching consequences in society. It promotes harmony, cooperation, and unity among individuals and communities. When we interact with others gently, we create an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, where differences are embraced rather than rejected. This paves the way for dialogue, understanding, and collective growth.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying gentleness in our interactions with others. It is through gentleness that we can touch the hearts and souls of those around us, fostering a sense of ease, comfort, and peace. Let us strive to cultivate this noble quality within ourselves and be a source of tranquility and solace for our fellow Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying gentleness and bless us with the ability to bring ease to the souls of others.