Hadith #7970

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ تَتَبَّعَ عَوْراتِ النَّاسِ كَشَفَ اللّهُ عَوْرَتَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who pursues the faults of people, Allah exposes his own faults.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tatabba'a) "تَتَبَّعَ" in this Hadith means to follow or pursue. It implies a continuous and persistent effort to seek out the faults and shortcomings of others. The word (awrat) "عَوْرَاتِ" refers to the private or hidden faults and weaknesses of individuals. It encompasses their personal shortcomings that they may wish to keep concealed from others.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to refrain from engaging in gossip, backbiting, and slander. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the grave consequences of such actions. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and being mindful of the consequences of our words. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10),

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that when we focus on the faults of others, we divert our attention from our own flaws and weaknesses. This self-righteous attitude blinds us from self-reflection and self-improvement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55),

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

By exposing the faults of others, we not only harm their reputation but also damage our own character. Our focus should be on rectifying ourselves and striving for self-improvement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:12),

On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], 'Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.' That is what is the great attainment.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is a call to cultivate a culture of empathy, forgiveness, and compassion within the Muslim community. Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should strive to support and uplift one another. By doing so, we create an environment of unity and love, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to refrain from pursuing the faults of others. It urges us to focus on our own self-improvement and to cultivate a culture of empathy and compassion within our community. By doing so, we not only protect the dignity and honor of others but also safeguard our own character and spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).