Hadith #1304

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) highlights the noble qualities and characteristics of a true believer. It emphasizes the importance of self-restraint, caution, learning from examples, remembrance, and forgiveness. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the important words in the Hadith. The word (idha) "إذا" is repeated throughout the Hadith, which signifies the occurrence of certain actions or events. It indicates that when a believer is faced with specific situations, they respond in a particular manner. The word (mu'min) "مؤمن" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows His guidance. The word (wa'iz) "وعظ" means admonition or advice, (hathir) "حذر" means warning, (i'tabar) "عبر" means example or lesson, and (thulm) "ظلم" means oppression.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can refer to various Quranic verses that shed light on each aspect mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

When a believer is admonished, he restrains himself. This reflects the quality of self-control and patience that a believer possesses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201),

Indeed, among the successors of Moses was a community who guided [people] by truth and by it established justice.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining oneself and acting with justice, even in the face of admonishment.

When a believer is warned, he becomes cautious. This highlights the believer's ability to be mindful and take heed of warnings. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow.

This verse emphasizes the need for believers to be cautious and mindful of their actions, especially in preparation for the Hereafter.

When a believer is shown an example, he learns from it. This reflects the believer's ability to derive lessons and wisdom from the examples and stories mentioned in the Quran. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse teaches believers to learn from the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions, who treated non-Muslims with justice and kindness.

When a believer is reminded, he remembers. This highlights the importance of remembrance and reflection upon the teachings of Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse emphasizes the significance of remembering Allah and His blessings, which leads to a deeper connection with Him.

When a believer is oppressed, he forgives. This reflects the noble quality of forgiveness and the believer's ability to rise above personal grievances. In Surah Ash-Shura (42:40-43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers. And whoever avenges himself after having been wronged - those have not upon them any cause [for blame]. The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the qualities of a true believer. It emphasizes the importance of self-restraint, caution, learning from examples, remembrance, and forgiveness. These qualities are not only praised in the Hadith but are also supported by various Quranic verses. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our daily lives, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these noble qualities and attain His pleasure.