Hadith #10158

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 righteous companions.

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

لاتُلاحِ الدَّنِيَّ فَيَجْتَرِئَ عَلَيْكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not argue with a vile person for he will be bold [and disrespectful] with you.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications. The word (laha) "لاح" means to argue or engage in a dispute, while (ad-dunyā) "الدَّنِيَّ" refers to the worldly matters or the materialistic aspects of life. The term (fayajtari'a) "فَيَجْتَرِئَ" can be translated as

he will be bold

or

he will become audacious.

This Hadith highlights the importance of avoiding arguments and disputes with individuals who possess a vile and disrespectful nature. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from engaging in pointless arguments over worldly matters with such people, as it will only lead to further audacity and disrespect from their side.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be further understood and supported by various verses from the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 68,

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation.

This verse encourages us to avoid engaging in futile arguments with those who disrespect and mock the signs of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to disrespectful individuals with peace and humility, rather than engaging in heated arguments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize wisdom and patience in dealing with those who possess vile and disrespectful characteristics. By refraining from arguing over worldly matters with such individuals, we can maintain our own dignity and avoid further escalation of conflicts.

Engaging in futile arguments with disrespectful individuals not only wastes our time and energy but also risks damaging our own character and reputation. It is essential to remember that our actions should reflect the teachings of Islam and the noble qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), including Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to avoid arguing with vile and disrespectful individuals over worldly matters. By following this guidance, we can maintain our own dignity and uphold the teachings of Islam. Instead of engaging in futile arguments, we should respond with peace and humility, as prescribed by the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect us from the traps of futile arguments.