Hadith #8944

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims,

Do not contest all that the people relate to you, for this suffices as foolishness.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in our interactions with others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tarudda) "تَرُدَّ" in Arabic means to contest or dispute. It implies a sense of disagreement or rejection. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to contest or dispute everything that people tell us. This does not mean that we should blindly accept everything without critical thinking. Rather, it encourages us to exercise wisdom and discernment in our interactions.

The word (haddathuka) "حَدَّثُوكَ" in Arabic means to relate or inform. It refers to the information or stories that people share with us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to contest or dispute every piece of information that comes our way. This is because engaging in constant disputes can lead to foolishness and unnecessary conflicts.

To understand the wisdom behind this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before accepting or rejecting it. It encourages us to investigate the truthfulness of what is being presented to us, rather than blindly accepting or rejecting it.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us not to engage in disputes or arguments about matters that we have no knowledge of. It urges us to seek knowledge and understanding before forming opinions or engaging in debates.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. He reminds us not to contest or dispute everything that people relate to us, as it can lead to foolishness. Instead, we should exercise wisdom and discernment by investigating and seeking knowledge before accepting or rejecting information.

By following this advice, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. We can also cultivate a culture of open-mindedness and intellectual humility, where we are willing to listen and learn from others. This approach fosters unity and harmony among Muslims, as we strive to seek the truth together.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims not to contest or dispute everything that people relate to us, as it can lead to foolishness. This advice aligns with the Quranic teachings of seeking knowledge, investigating information, and avoiding disputes based on ignorance. By exercising wisdom and discernment, we can foster unity and harmony among Muslims, while also cultivating a culture of open-mindedness and intellectual humility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement this advice in our lives.