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لاتَعْتَذِرْ إلى مَنْ يُحِبُّ أنْ لايَجِدَلَكَ عُذْراً۔

Do not offer an excuse to the one who would like to find you without an excuse.

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Do not offer an excuse to the one who would like to find you without an...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Apologizing And Offering Excuses)

Personal Reflection

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful saying that holds great wisdom and guidance for all Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (excuse) "عُذْر" and (would like) "يُحِبُّ". The word "عُذْر" refers to a legitimate reason or justification for an action or behavior. It is an explanation given to justify oneself when faced with criticism or questioning. On the other hand, "يُحِبُّ" means "to like" or "to desire." It implies that the person being addressed in this Hadith has a predisposition or inclination to find fault or criticize others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12:

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting. It teaches us to refrain from seeking faults in others and to give them the benefit of the doubt. Just as we would detest eating the flesh of a dead brother, we should detest finding faults in others without valid reasons.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us not to offer excuses to those who are inclined to find fault in us. It serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who are always looking for opportunities to criticize and judge others. By not offering excuses to such individuals, we protect ourselves from their negative influence and maintain our dignity.

This Hadith encourages us to focus on our own actions and intentions rather than constantly seeking validation from others. It teaches us to be confident in our choices and decisions, as long as they are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. Instead of wasting our time and energy trying to justify ourselves to those who are predisposed to find fault, we should strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His forgiveness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the importance of self-assessment and self-improvement. By not offering excuses to those who are inclined to criticize, he teaches us to focus on our own growth and development. This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our actions, rectify our mistakes, and seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be cautious of those who are always looking for faults in others. It encourages us to focus on our own actions and intentions, seeking validation and forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than constantly justifying ourselves to others. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to become better Muslims and lead a life of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Islam.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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