Hadith #6919

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of overlooking the missteps and pardoning the mistakes of others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in the light of the Quran.

The word (tajawaz) "تَجاوَزْ" in the Hadith means to overlook or forgive. It signifies the act of intentionally ignoring or pardoning someone's faults or errors. This word highlights the importance of practicing forgiveness and mercy towards others, even when they make mistakes or wrong us.

The word (zallal) "الزَّلَلِ" refers to missteps or slips. It represents the human tendency to err or make mistakes. By instructing us to overlook these missteps, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the imperfections inherent in human nature. We all make mistakes, and it is crucial to recognize this and not hold grudges or harbor ill feelings towards others.

The phrase (wa aqil al-atharat) "وأقِلِ العَثَراتِ" translates to "pardon the mistakes." It emphasizes the need to forgive and let go of the errors committed by others. This act of forgiveness not only benefits the person being forgiven but also elevates the status and station of the one who forgives.

The Hadith concludes with the statement, (turfa' lak al-darajat) "تُرْفَعْ لَكَ الدَّرَجاتُ", which means

your station will be elevated.

This phrase highlights the spiritual and moral benefits of practicing forgiveness and overlooking the faults of others. By forgiving and pardoning, one's own rank and position in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are elevated.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For instance, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who forgive and overlook, indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves those who practice forgiveness.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is found in Surah An-Nur (24:22), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages Muslims to forgive and overlook the faults of others, reminding us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Most Forgiving and Merciful.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) instruction to overlook missteps and pardon mistakes carries profound wisdom and practical implications. By practicing forgiveness, we cultivate a compassionate and merciful character, reflecting the qualities of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Forgiveness also fosters harmonious relationships within families, communities, and society at large.

Moreover, forgiving others allows us to break free from the shackles of anger, resentment, and grudges. It liberates our hearts and minds, enabling us to focus on personal growth and spiritual development. By pardoning the mistakes of others, we create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding, promoting unity and cooperation among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of forgiveness and overlooking the faults of others. By practicing forgiveness, we not only elevate our own spiritual status but also contribute to the betterment of our relationships and society. Let us strive to embody the noble qualities of forgiveness and mercy, following the example set by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to forgive and overlook, and may He elevate our ranks in this world and the Hereafter.