Hadith #2598

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَزْدَرِيَنَّ أحَداً حَتّى تَسْتَنْطِقَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not belittle anyone until you have heard from him.

Let us delve into the words of this profound Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran. The word (do not belittle) "لاتَزْدَرِيَنَّ" comes from the root word "زَدَرَ" which means to consider someone insignificant or to underestimate their worth. This word emphasizes the importance of not diminishing the value of any individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from belittling anyone (until you have heard from him) "حَتّى تَسْتَنْطِقَهُ". The word "تَسْتَنْطِقَهُ" is derived from the root word "نَطَقَ" which means to speak or express oneself. This implies that we should not judge or underestimate someone's abilities or worth until we have given them a chance to express themselves and share their thoughts.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

This verse reminds us that we should not mock or belittle others, as they may possess qualities or virtues that we are unaware of.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us to be just and fair in our dealings with others. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and not allowing personal biases or prejudices to cloud our judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for us to withhold judgment and not jump to conclusions about others. We should give everyone an opportunity to express themselves and be heard. By doing so, we can avoid underestimating or belittling someone based on our own preconceived notions or limited understanding.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of open-mindedness and the value of seeking knowledge. By listening to others and hearing their perspectives, we broaden our own understanding and gain new insights. This not only benefits us individually but also fosters a sense of unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to refrain from belittling others and to give everyone a fair chance to be heard. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of treating others with respect, fairness, and justice. By practicing the wisdom of this Hadith, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate society, where everyone's voice is valued and respected. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these teachings and grant us the wisdom to treat others with kindness and empathy.