Hadith #3554

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.

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

مُبايَنَةُ الدَّنايا تَكْبِتُ العَدُوَّ۔

This can be translated as,

Disassociating oneself from loathsome actions and traits subdues the enemy.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The term "مُبايَنَةُ" refers to the act of disassociating oneself from something. It implies a clear separation and distancing from actions and traits that are considered loathsome or detestable. The word "الدَّنايا" refers to these loathsome actions and traits, which may include dishonesty, arrogance, envy, and other negative qualities.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96),

Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil. We are most knowing of what they describe.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness and righteousness. By disassociating ourselves from loathsome actions and traits, we are embodying the best qualities and repelling the evil that may come our way.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to ignorance and harshness with peace and tranquility. By disassociating ourselves from loathsome actions and traits, we are able to maintain composure and respond to negativity with kindness and patience.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that by disassociating ourselves from loathsome actions and traits, we are able to subdue the enemy. This can be understood in multiple ways. Firstly, by embodying noble qualities and distancing ourselves from negative traits, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Our actions and character have the power to influence those around us, including our enemies. When they witness our righteousness and integrity, it may lead them to question their own actions and eventually change their ways.

Secondly, by disassociating ourselves from loathsome actions and traits, we are able to maintain a sense of inner peace and tranquility. This inner strength and serenity can act as a shield against the negativity and hostility of our enemies. When we are firmly grounded in righteousness, we are less likely to be affected by the actions and words of those who oppose us.

Moreover, disassociating ourselves from loathsome actions and traits allows us to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. By refusing to engage in dishonesty, deceit, or any other negative behavior, we are able to confront our enemies with integrity and moral superiority. This approach not only disarms our enemies but also exposes the flaws in their own character and actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of disassociating ourselves from loathsome actions and traits. By embodying noble qualities and distancing ourselves from negativity, we can subdue the enemy in various ways. This includes inspiring others through our righteousness, maintaining inner peace and strength, and upholding justice and fairness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to disassociate ourselves from all that is loathsome and guide us on the path of righteousness.