Hadith #17

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to

Banish your old age (by hair-dye) and do not acquire resemblance to the Jews.

This statement carries important lessons for us as Muslims, and it is essential to understand its context and implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ghayyiroo) "غَيِّرُوا" in the Hadith means to change or alter. It implies that Muslims should take measures to change or conceal signs of old age, particularly by using hair dye. This advice encourages Muslims to maintain a youthful appearance and vitality, which is in line with the teachings of Islam that emphasize the importance of taking care of one's physical appearance and health.

The phrase (wala tashabbahoo bil-yahood)

وَ لَا تَشَبَّهُوا بِالْيَهُودِ

warns against resembling the Jews. It is important to note that this statement does not imply any negative connotation towards the Jewish community as a whole. Rather, it highlights the importance of distinguishing oneself from the practices and customs of other religious communities. Islam encourages Muslims to maintain their distinct identity and not imitate the practices of other faiths.

To understand the significance of this advice, we can refer to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:171)

And be not like those who say, 'We hear,' but they hear not

This verse emphasizes the importance of not merely imitating others without understanding the true essence of their actions. Muslims should strive to have a deep understanding of their faith and its teachings, rather than blindly following the practices of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against imitating the disbelievers, saying, (13:7)

And those who disbelieved would say, 'Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?' You are only a warner, and for every people is a guide

This verse highlights the importance of not seeking validation or guidance from those who reject the truth. Muslims should seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny, rather than imitating the practices of those who do not follow the true path.

Imam Ali's advice to avoid resembling the Jews serves as a reminder for Muslims to stay true to their own faith and not adopt practices that may contradict Islamic teachings. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their appearance and to take care of themselves, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining their distinct identity as followers of Islam.

By following this advice, Muslims can avoid blindly imitating others and instead focus on embodying the teachings of Islam. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement, both physically and spiritually. It encourages us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives while remaining steadfast in our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to banish old age by using hair dye and to avoid resembling the Jews. This advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to take care of their physical appearance while maintaining their distinct identity as followers of Islam. It encourages us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny, rather than blindly imitating others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement these teachings in our lives.