Hadith #9368

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us on how to deal with vile and miserly individuals. The key phrase in this Hadith is

إذا حَلَلْتَ بِاللِّئامِ، فَاعْتَلِلْ بِالصِّيامِ

which can be translated as

When you come upon vile [and miserly] people then give the excuse of fasting [so that you may leave them without partaking of a meal].

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us explore the important words and concepts within it. The word (li'aam) "لئام" refers to people who are vile, mean, or miserly in their behavior. These individuals are characterized by their stinginess, greed, and lack of generosity. The word (siyam) "صيام" means fasting, which is the act of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset for the sake of Allah.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2):

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous and pious individuals, while avoiding those who engage in sin and aggression. By giving the excuse of fasting, we can politely distance ourselves from the negative influence of vile and miserly people.

Another Quranic verse that supports the wisdom of Imam Ali's advice is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28):

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages us to seek the company of those who remember and worship Allah, as their presence can have a positive impact on our own spirituality and character. By using fasting as an excuse, we can prioritize spending time with those who are devoted to their faith and avoid the negative energy of vile individuals.

Imam Ali's advice in this Hadith is not about physically fasting, but rather using fasting as a metaphorical excuse to distance ourselves from the negative influence of vile and miserly individuals. By choosing to abstain from partaking in a meal with such people, we protect ourselves from their negative traits and behaviors. This act of self-preservation allows us to maintain our own integrity, values, and spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings are deeply rooted in the Quranic principles of righteousness, piety, and maintaining good company. His advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and to prioritize their spiritual growth and well-being. By following this guidance, we can protect ourselves from the negative influence of vile individuals and strive towards a more righteous and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to use fasting as an excuse to distance ourselves from vile and miserly individuals. This advice aligns with the Quranic teachings of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions and avoiding those who engage in sin and aggression. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and maintaining good company, we can protect ourselves from negative influences and strive towards a more fulfilling and righteous life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to uphold our values in the face of adversity.