Hadith #7966

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 to refrain from criticizing or blaming others for their faults and sins while we ourselves are guilty of the same or similar actions. It teaches us the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability before pointing fingers at others.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The word (la ta'ib) "لا تعب" means "do not fault" or "do not blame." It emphasizes the need to avoid criticizing or finding fault in others. The word (ghayrak) "غيرك" means "others" or

someone other than yourself.

It reminds us that we should not be quick to judge or condemn others for their actions.

The phrase (bima ta'tihi) "بما تأتيه" means

for that which you do yourself.

It highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-examination. Before we point out the flaws in others, we should first reflect upon our own actions and behavior. We should not be hypocritical in our judgments and should strive for consistency in our own conduct.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wala tu'aqib ghayrak bidhamb turakhisu linafsika feehi)

ولا تعاقب غيرك بذنب ترخص لنفسك فيه

which means

and do not punish (or rebuke) others for the sin that you permit yourself [to indulge in].

This part emphasizes the need for fairness and justice in our interactions with others. We should not hold others accountable for their mistakes while we ourselves engage in the same sinful behavior.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding mockery, ridicule, and insults towards others. It reminds us that we should not belittle or demean others, as they may be better than us in the sight of Allah. It teaches us to treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their shortcomings.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:44), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?

This verse admonishes those who preach righteousness to others but neglect their own actions. It reminds us to be mindful of our own behavior before advising others. We should strive to embody the teachings of Islam in our own lives before expecting others to follow suit.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to practice self-reflection and self-accountability. It urges us to refrain from criticizing or blaming others for their faults while we ourselves are guilty of similar actions. By embodying the teachings of this Hadith, we can foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and self-improvement within the Muslim community.

Let us strive to be individuals who are humble, compassionate, and just in our interactions with others. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He guide us to be better Muslims and enable us to contribute positively to society.