Hadith #6906

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of accepting the excuses of people and treating them with kindness and cheerfulness. This beautiful teaching encourages Muslims to foster brotherhood and unity within the community by forgiving and overlooking the mistakes and shortcomings of others.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (iqbal) "اِقْبَلْ" means to accept or receive. It signifies the act of embracing and acknowledging the excuses and apologies offered by individuals. The word (a'dhar) "أعْذارَ" refers to the reasons or justifications put forward by people for their actions or behavior. By accepting these excuses, we demonstrate compassion, understanding, and empathy towards others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that by accepting people's excuses, we will enjoy their brotherhood. This means that when we show understanding and forgiveness, we strengthen the bonds of unity and love among Muslims. By embracing the apologies and reasons given by others, we create an atmosphere of trust and harmony within the community.

To support this teaching, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of forgiveness and kindness towards others. 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 reminds us to refrain from mocking or belittling others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah. It encourages us to treat one another with respect and dignity, avoiding any form of derogatory language or behavior. By doing so, we foster an environment of mutual respect and unity within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, the Hadith advises us to meet people with cheerfulness. This means that we should approach others with a positive and pleasant demeanor, spreading joy and happiness in our interactions. By doing so, we can dissolve any ill feelings or grudges that may exist between individuals. Our cheerful attitude can help soften hearts and promote reconciliation among Muslims.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good manners and a cheerful disposition. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to do good and spread positivity in our interactions with others. It encourages us to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and to share those blessings with those around us. By maintaining a cheerful attitude and treating others with kindness, we contribute to the betterment of society and promote a positive atmosphere within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of accepting people's excuses, fostering brotherhood, and meeting others with cheerfulness. By embracing forgiveness and kindness, we strengthen the bonds of unity within the Muslim community. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principles of maintaining good manners, avoiding ridicule or insult, and spreading positivity in our interactions with others. Let us strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to forgive, understand, and treat others with kindness and cheerfulness.