Hadith #330

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ ضَنَّ بِعِرْضِهِ فَلْيَدَعِ الْمِرَاءَ۔

This can be translated as:

He who is jealous of his esteem should keep from quarrelling.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (dann) "ضَنَّ" in Arabic refers to having doubt or suspicion. In this context, it implies that if someone suspects or doubts the preservation of their honor or reputation, they should refrain from engaging in arguments or disputes. The word (irdeh) "عِرْضِهِ" refers to one's esteem, dignity, or honor. It encompasses the respect and reputation that an individual holds in the eyes of others. Finally, the word (miraa) "مِرَاءَ" means quarrelling or engaging in disputes.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (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. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of preserving the honor and dignity of others. It teaches us not to engage in actions or words that may belittle or demean others. Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from quarrelling when we feel jealous or doubtful about our own honor. By doing so, we not only protect our own reputation but also maintain the harmony and unity within the community.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse cautions us against making baseless assumptions about others, as it can lead to sin. Jealousy often stems from negative assumptions and suspicions about others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from quarrelling when we feel jealous, as it can exacerbate these negative assumptions and lead to further harm.

In light of these Quranic teachings, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When we feel jealous or doubtful about our own honor, it is crucial to avoid engaging in quarrels or disputes. By doing so, we protect our own reputation and prevent the escalation of negative assumptions and harm within the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings, rooted in the Quran, provide us with guidance on how to navigate the complexities of human relationships and maintain harmony within society. Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to embody its teachings in our interactions with others, preserving our own honor while fostering unity and respect among Muslims.