Hadith #8332

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us,

Do not be happy with the mistake of others, for indeed you will not always be correct.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of humility, empathy, and self-reflection in our interactions with others.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (tabtahijan) "تَبْتَهِجَنَّ" means to rejoice or be happy. (bikhatā'i) "بِخَطاءِ" refers to the mistake or error of others. (ghayrika) "غَيْرِكَ" means other than yourself. (isābah) "إصابَةَ" refers to correctness or accuracy. And finally, (abadan) "أبَداً" means forever or always.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from mocking or rejoicing over the mistakes of others, as we may not be aware of their true worth or potential in the eyes of Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the need to refrain from making negative assumptions about others and engaging in backbiting or gossip. Rejoicing over the mistakes of others is a manifestation of negative assumptions and can lead to further harm and division within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to cultivate humility and empathy. Instead of finding joy in the shortcomings of others, we should strive to understand their struggles and offer support and guidance. This approach aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of unity, compassion, and forgiveness among Muslims.

When we refrain from rejoicing over the mistakes of others, we create an environment of trust and respect. This fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community. Moreover, it encourages individuals to acknowledge their own fallibility and work towards personal growth and improvement. By recognizing that we are not always correct, we become more open to learning from our own mistakes and seeking guidance from Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to refrain from rejoicing over the mistakes of others. It encourages us to cultivate humility, empathy, and self-reflection in our interactions. By aligning our behavior with the teachings of the Quran, we can foster unity, compassion, and personal growth within the Muslim community. May Allah guide us all to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to treat others with kindness and understanding.