Hadith #20

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

أَقِيلُوا ذَوِي الْمُرُوءَاتِ عَثَرَاتِهِمْ فَمَا يَعْثُرُ مِنْهُمْ عَاثِرٌ إِلاَّ وَيَدُهُ بِيَدِ اللهِ يَرْفَعُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of forgiving the shortcomings of people of virtue and honor, as Allah raises them up when they fall into error.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words. (Aqeelu) "أَقِيلُوا" means to forgive or pardon. (Dhawi al-muroo'at) "ذَوِي الْمُرُوءَاتِ" refers to people of virtue and honor, those who possess noble qualities and high moral standards. (Atharatihi) "عَثَرَاتِهِمْ" signifies their shortcomings or errors. (Aathir) "عَاثِرٌ" refers to someone who stumbles or falls into error. And finally, (Yaduhu bi yadi Allah yarfa'uhu)

يَدُهُ بِيَدِ اللهِ يَرْفَعُهُ

means that Allah raises them up with His own hand.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the virtue and righteousness of individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or tribes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah advises the believers,

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 refraining from mocking or belittling others, as they may possess qualities and virtues that surpass our own.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by urging Muslims to forgive the shortcomings of people of virtue and honor. It reminds us that even the most righteous individuals may occasionally stumble or make mistakes. However, instead of condemning or criticizing them, we should extend our forgiveness and support. By doing so, we emulate the mercy and compassion of Allah, who raises them up from their errors.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that no one is immune to committing errors or facing challenges. Even the most virtuous individuals may encounter moments of weakness or lapse in judgment. However, it is through these experiences that they have the opportunity to learn, grow, and seek forgiveness from Allah. By forgiving their shortcomings, we contribute to their spiritual upliftment and encourage them to strive for improvement.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages a culture of unity and understanding within the Muslim community. It reminds us to focus on the positive qualities of others and to support them in their journey towards righteousness. By forgiving their mistakes, we foster an environment of compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. This not only strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims but also promotes a harmonious society based on Islamic values.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of forgiving the shortcomings of people of virtue and honor. It reminds us that even the most righteous individuals may stumble or make mistakes, and it is our duty to extend our forgiveness and support. By doing so, we emulate the mercy and compassion of Allah and contribute to the spiritual upliftment of our fellow Muslims. Let us strive to embody these teachings in our interactions with others and create a community that is characterized by forgiveness, understanding, and unity. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to forgive and uplift one another.