Hadith #6478

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims against excessive reprimanding. He warns that excessive reprimanding can lead to the development of ill feelings and ultimately foster hatred among individuals. Instead, he encourages Muslims to seek ways to appease and reconcile with those whom they intend to reprimand.

To fully understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice, let us delve into the meanings of some key words in the hadith. The word (reprimanding) "عِتابَ" refers to the act of admonishing or reproaching someone for their actions or behavior. (ill feelings) "الضَّغينَةَ" refers to the negative emotions and resentment that can arise within a person as a result of being excessively reprimanded. (hatred) "البَغْضاءِ" refers to the deep animosity and enmity that can develop between individuals due to prolonged ill feelings.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations and avoiding actions that may lead to animosity and hatred. Allah 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 highlights the importance of fostering brotherhood and resolving conflicts among Muslims in a peaceful and merciful manner.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be lenient and forgiving towards his companions. Allah says,

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 demonstrates the importance of adopting a gentle and compassionate approach when dealing with others, as it helps to maintain unity and harmony within the community.

Imam Ali's advice aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Excessive reprimanding can have detrimental effects on relationships and can lead to the breakdown of unity within the Muslim community. When individuals are constantly subjected to harsh criticism, they may develop feelings of resentment and animosity towards the one reprimanding them. This can create a toxic environment where hatred thrives and brotherhood diminishes.

Instead of resorting to excessive reprimanding, Imam Ali advises Muslims to seek ways to appease and reconcile with those whom they intend to reprimand. By adopting a compassionate and understanding approach, individuals can address the issue at hand while preserving the dignity and respect of the other person. This approach allows for open communication, understanding, and the potential for positive change.

Imam Ali's advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize unity, compassion, and forgiveness in their interactions with others. It encourages us to reflect on our own behavior and to strive towards building strong and harmonious relationships within the Muslim community. By following this guidance, we can create an environment of love, understanding, and mutual respect, in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement Imam Ali's teachings in our lives and enable us to foster unity and harmony within the Muslim ummah.