Hadith #896

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best etiquette is that [in] which you start with yourself.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word "adab" refers to etiquette or manners, while "bada'ta" means to begin or initiate. The word "nafsak" translates to oneself. Thus, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of starting with oneself when it comes to practicing good manners and etiquette.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and self-accountability. In Surah Al-Hashr, Allah says, (Quran 59:18)

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do

This verse highlights the need for individuals to examine their own actions and intentions. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their own behavior and to take responsibility for their actions. Starting with oneself is the first step towards cultivating good manners and etiquette.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that true righteousness is not merely external acts of worship, but also internal purification of the soul. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not limited to performing rituals, but it encompasses various aspects of life, including social and economic responsibilities. It teaches us that our manners and etiquette should extend beyond ourselves to benefit others. By starting with ourselves, we can develop the necessary qualities to fulfill our obligations towards others and to be righteous individuals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement. The Quran encourages Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and to rectify their own flaws. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 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 highlights the importance of avoiding arrogance, mockery, and derogatory remarks towards others. It teaches us to be humble and to recognize that we may have faults and shortcomings ourselves. By starting with ourselves, we can develop empathy and understanding towards others, treating them with respect and kindness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of starting with ourselves when it comes to practicing good manners and etiquette. This teaching aligns perfectly with the Quranic emphasis on self-reflection, self-improvement, and self-accountability. By examining our own actions, purifying our intentions, and rectifying our flaws, we can cultivate a positive impact on ourselves and those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these teachings and to strive for excellence in our manners and etiquette.