Hadith #434

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

إِذَا احْتَشَمَ الْمُؤْمِنُ أَخَاهُ فَقَدْ فَارَقَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

If a believer enrages his brother, it means that he leaves him.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (ihtashama) "احْتَشَمَ" is derived from the root word (hashama) "حَشَمَ", which means to provoke, irritate, or anger someone. The word (al-mu'min) "الْمُؤْمِنُ" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows the teachings of Islam. The word (akhahu) "أَخَاهُ" means his brother, indicating a fellow Muslim.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining brotherhood and unity among Muslims in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse highlights the significance of resolving conflicts and disputes among believers, emphasizing the unity and brotherhood that should prevail within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah warns against mocking or ridiculing one another, saying,

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

This verse reminds us to treat our fellow Muslims with respect and dignity, refraining from any actions or words that may cause harm or enrage them.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When a believer enrages his brother, it signifies a rupture in their relationship. It implies that the bond of brotherhood has been weakened or even severed. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships and avoiding actions that may lead to discord or division within the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings were rooted in the principles of the Quran. He understood the significance of unity among Muslims and the detrimental consequences of causing anger or enmity among believers. By highlighting the consequences of provoking one's brother, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the need for restraint, patience, and forgiveness in our interactions with fellow Muslims.

The consequences of enraging a fellow believer are far-reaching. It can lead to a breakdown in trust, the spread of animosity, and the weakening of the Muslim community as a whole. Conversely, maintaining harmonious relationships and resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and words towards their fellow believers. It underscores the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships and avoiding actions that may cause anger or enmity. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive towards building a strong and united Muslim community, based on love, respect, and compassion for one another. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in this endeavor.