Hadith #6792

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

لاتُوحِشَنَّ امْرَءً يَسُوءُكَ فِراقُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not alienate a person whose separation will harm you.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries a deep message about the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships with others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word "تُوحِشَنَّ" comes from the root word "وَحَشَ" which means to isolate, abandon, or cut off. It implies the act of distancing oneself from someone, emotionally or physically. The word "يَسُوءُكَ" means to cause harm or distress to oneself. And "فِرَاقُهُ" refers to the separation or departure of the person.

To shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others 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 unity and brotherhood among Muslims, emphasizing the need to reconcile and resolve conflicts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah instructs the believers,

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and justice, even if they hold different beliefs or opinions.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. He advises us not to alienate or distance ourselves from someone whose separation would cause harm. This encompasses both physical and emotional harm. By maintaining strong bonds and positive relationships, we create a sense of unity and support within our communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our actions have consequences. If we choose to isolate or abandon someone, we not only harm them but also harm ourselves. This harm can manifest in various ways, such as a loss of trust, a breakdown in communication, or a weakening of the community as a whole. By preserving relationships and avoiding unnecessary alienation, we contribute to the strength and well-being of our Muslim ummah.

To illustrate this point, let us consider an example. Imagine a close friend or family member who holds a different opinion or belief than you. Instead of alienating them and severing ties, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to maintain a respectful and compassionate relationship. By engaging in open dialogue, understanding their perspective, and finding common ground, we can foster a sense of unity and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of maintaining strong and positive relationships with others. It reminds us to avoid alienating those whose separation would cause harm, both to them and to ourselves. By following this advice, we contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim ummah, as emphasized in the Quranic teachings of unity, brotherhood, and justice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these teachings and grant us the wisdom to nurture and preserve our relationships.