Hadith #72

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

If matters get mixed up then the last ones should be appreciated according to the previous one.

This Hadith highlights the importance of considering the sequence and order of events when making judgments or decisions.

The word (ishtabahat) "اشْتَبَهَتْ" in the Hadith refers to situations where matters become confused or mixed up. It implies a state of uncertainty or ambiguity. In such circumstances, the Hadith advises us to evaluate the last events or actions based on the previous ones. This means that we should consider the context and history of a situation before making any judgments or decisions.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and sequence of events in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein

This verse highlights Allah's knowledge of our inner thoughts and intentions, emphasizing the importance of considering the entire context when evaluating someone's actions.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah says, (Quran 8:45)

O you who have believed, when you meet a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful

This verse encourages believers to remember Allah and seek His guidance in times of confusion or uncertainty. By doing so, we can make decisions based on the principles and values outlined in the Quran.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a practical approach to dealing with complex situations. It reminds us not to rush into judgments or decisions without considering the entire context. By appreciating the last events according to the previous ones, we can gain a deeper understanding of the situation and make more informed choices.

For example, let's consider a scenario where a person is accused of a crime. If we only focus on the last action or event, we may jump to conclusions without considering the person's past behavior or circumstances. However, by following the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we would take into account the person's previous actions, character, and any extenuating circumstances before making a judgment.

This approach helps us avoid hasty judgments and promotes fairness and justice. It reminds us to be cautious in our assessments and to consider the bigger picture. By appreciating the last events according to the previous ones, we can ensure that our decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of considering the sequence and order of events when making judgments or decisions. It advises us to appreciate the last events according to the previous ones, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation. This guidance aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of understanding the context and sequence of events. By following this advice, we can make more informed choices and promote fairness and justice in our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to apply this guidance in our lives.