Hadith #3512

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 maintaining good relations with others and treating them with kindness and cheerfulness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tastamti') "تَسْتَمْتِعْ" in the Hadith means to enjoy or benefit from something. It implies that by being amicable and friendly towards others, we can experience the blessings and benefits of their companionship. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations with fellow Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10):

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the brotherhood and unity among believers, urging them to resolve any conflicts or disputes that may arise. By being amicable and treating others with kindness, we can foster a sense of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community, thereby enjoying the blessings of this companionship.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to

meet them with cheerfulness

in order to dispel any ill feelings or malice that may exist. The word (alqahum) "الْقَهُمْ" in the Hadith refers to meeting others with cheerfulness and a positive attitude. This act of kindness can have a profound impact on people's hearts and can help dissolve any animosity or negativity.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of spreading kindness and goodwill towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words to people, which includes meeting them with cheerfulness and kindness. By doing so, we can create an atmosphere of positivity and love, thereby diminishing any ill feelings or malice that may exist.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages us to be proactive in building positive relationships with others. By being amicable and treating others with kindness, we can create a harmonious environment where malice and ill feelings have no place. This not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the overall well-being of the Muslim community.

When we meet others with cheerfulness, we inspire them to reciprocate our positive attitude. This can lead to stronger bonds of brotherhood and unity among Muslims, fostering a sense of love and compassion within the community. Moreover, by treating others with kindness, we become a reflection of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being amicable and treating others with kindness and cheerfulness. By doing so, we can enjoy the blessings of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community, while also dispelling any malice or ill feelings that may exist. Let us strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our interactions with others, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to spread love and kindness among our fellow Muslims.