Hadith #910

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) states,

بِئسَ النَّسَبُ سُوءُ الأدَبِ۔

This can be translated as,

The worst attribute is bad etiquette.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (bi'sa) "بِئسَ" means "worst" or "most evil," indicating the severity of the attribute being discussed. (annasab) "النَّسَبُ" refers to "lineage" or "ancestry," highlighting the importance of one's family background. (su') "سُوءُ" means "bad" or "evil," and (al-adab) "الأدَبِ" refers to "etiquette" or "manners."

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of good manners and etiquette in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

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.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from mocking or insulting them. It encourages Muslims to recognize the inherent value and potential goodness in every individual, regardless of their background or lineage. This aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who emphasized the significance of good etiquette and manners in dealing with others.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of good manners is found in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), where Allah says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse refers to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and highlights his exemplary character and manners. The Prophet (ﷺ) was known for his kindness, patience, and respect towards others, regardless of their social status or lineage. His noble character serves as a role model for all Muslims to follow.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The worst attribute a person can possess is bad etiquette. This implies that no matter how noble one's lineage may be, if they lack good manners and treat others with disrespect, their lineage becomes insignificant. It is a reminder that true nobility lies in one's character and how they interact with others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. He understood that good etiquette is not limited to mere external actions but encompasses the inner disposition of the heart. It involves being humble, patient, forgiving, and compassionate towards others.

When a person possesses good etiquette, it has far-reaching consequences. It fosters harmonious relationships within families, communities, and societies. It promotes unity, understanding, and empathy among individuals. Good etiquette also reflects the true essence of Islam, which is a religion of peace, justice, and compassion.

On the other hand, bad etiquette leads to discord, animosity, and division. It tarnishes one's reputation and undermines the values of Islam. It creates an environment of hostility and negativity, hindering the growth and progress of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize good etiquette and manners in their interactions with others. It teaches us that true nobility lies in the way we treat and respect others, regardless of their lineage or social status. By embodying the teachings of the Quran and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to cultivate a society built on kindness, compassion, and unity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody good etiquette and manners in our daily lives.