Hadith #6663

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما تَلاحى إثْنانِ فَظَهَرَ إلاّ أسْفَهُهُما۔

This can be translated as,

Never do two people [or groups] quarrel but that the more foolish of the two wins the argument.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (talaḥā) "تَلاحى", which means to engage in a heated argument or dispute. This word implies a situation where two individuals or groups are involved in a conflict, exchanging harsh words and trying to prove their point. The word (ithnān) "إثْنانِ" refers to two people or groups, emphasizing that this Hadith is applicable to any situation where two parties are quarreling.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes among Muslims in a just and fair manner. It emphasizes the need for reconciliation and unity, rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into harmful quarrels. Imam Ali's statement echoes this Quranic principle by reminding us that engaging in quarrels only leads to regret and sorrow. It is a reminder to Muslims to avoid unnecessary disputes and to seek peaceful resolutions instead.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of wisdom and patience in dealing with disagreements. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to harsh words with words of peace and wisdom, rather than engaging in heated arguments. It reminds us that the one who exercises patience and wisdom in the face of conflict is the true winner, as they uphold the values of Islam and maintain their dignity.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to reflect on their behavior during disputes. It urges us to prioritize wisdom, patience, and peaceful resolution over winning arguments. By doing so, we not only uphold the teachings of the Quran but also foster unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the futility of engaging in quarrels and disputes. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, patience, and peaceful resolution in the face of disagreements. By following the guidance of the Quran, Muslims can strive to be the ones who uphold justice, maintain their dignity, and promote unity among their fellow believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these teachings in our lives.