Hadith #3292

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,

مَنْ خَشُنَتْ عَريكَتُهُ أقْفَرَتْ حاشِيَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is rude by nature, his surroundings are deserted.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (khashunat) "خَشُنَتْ" refers to someone who is inherently rough, harsh, or impolite in their demeanor. It signifies a lack of courtesy and respect in one's interactions with others. The word (arikatuhu) "عَريكَتُهُ" refers to a person's surroundings or environment. It encompasses the people, places, and circumstances that surround an individual. Lastly, the word (iqfart) "أقْفَرَتْ" means deserted or abandoned. It implies that the environment of a person who is rude and impolite becomes desolate, devoid of companionship and support.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good character and manners in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in their conduct.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah states,

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 treating others with respect and avoiding any form of ridicule or belittlement. It reminds us that we should not judge others based on superficial qualities, but rather focus on their inner virtues and qualities.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the consequences of rude behavior. When a person consistently displays roughness and impoliteness in their interactions, their surroundings become deserted. This can be understood in several ways.

Firstly, when someone is rude and disrespectful, people are naturally inclined to distance themselves from that individual. No one wants to be around someone who consistently exhibits unpleasant behavior. As a result, the person's social circle diminishes, and they find themselves isolated and lonely.

Secondly, a person's rude behavior can also lead to the deterioration of their relationships. When someone is consistently harsh and impolite, it creates a toxic environment that erodes trust and damages the bonds of friendship and family. People are less likely to confide in or seek support from someone who consistently displays rudeness.

Moreover, the consequences of being rude extend beyond personal relationships. In a professional setting, for example, a person's rude behavior can hinder their career growth and opportunities. Employers value individuals who possess good character and interpersonal skills. By contrast, someone who is rude and impolite may find themselves passed over for promotions or opportunities due to their negative reputation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating good character and manners in our interactions with others. Islam teaches us to be kind, respectful, and considerate, as these qualities are essential for fostering harmonious relationships and building strong communities. By embodying the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can create an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and conducive to personal and collective growth.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the noble qualities of good character and manners, and may He bless us with companionship and support in this world and the Hereafter.