Hadith #5143

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

إيّاكَ أنْ تَسْتَوْحِشَ مِنْ غَلَطَةِ خَيِّر بِالشَّرِّ۔

This Hadith urges Muslims to be cautious and not to be repelled by the evil act that the righteous one does by mistake.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (iyyaka) "إيّاكَ" is a form of warning and advice, emphasizing the importance of heeding the message. It is a call to pay attention and take heed. The word (tastawhisha) "تَسْتَوْحِشَ" means to be repelled or disgusted. It implies a feeling of aversion or distancing oneself from something. (ghalata) "غَلَطَةِ" refers to a mistake or an error, while (khayyir) "خَيِّر" means a righteous person. Lastly, (bilsharr) "بِالشَّرِّ" refers to an evil act or deed.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse teaches us not to belittle or mock others, as their true worth may be hidden from us. Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa (4:94), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us not to judge others based on their outward appearance or actions alone, as they may have hidden virtues and good qualities.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be cautious and not to distance ourselves from a righteous person due to a mistake they may make. It highlights the importance of recognizing that even the most pious individuals are prone to errors. This Hadith encourages us to have a balanced perspective and not to let a single mistake overshadow the overall righteousness of a person.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words were guided by divine inspiration. He understood the human nature and the potential for mistakes. By cautioning us against being repelled by the evil act of a righteous person, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and empathy.

Let us consider an example to further illustrate the significance of this Hadith. Imagine a person known for their piety and good character unintentionally commits a mistake or says something hurtful. It is easy for us to be repelled by this act and distance ourselves from them. However, the wisdom of this Hadith reminds us to look beyond that single mistake and consider the person's overall righteousness. We should strive to understand their intentions, forgive their unintentional errors, and maintain our connection with them.

By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, we foster a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community. It prevents divisions and misunderstandings that may arise from hastily judging others based on isolated incidents. Instead, we should focus on the positive qualities and contributions of individuals, recognizing that everyone is prone to mistakes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not to be repelled by the evil act that a righteous person may commit by mistake. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and maintaining unity within the Muslim community. By looking beyond isolated incidents and considering the overall righteousness of individuals, we can foster a sense of compassion and empathy, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement this teaching in our lives.