Hadith #9398

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,

لاتُمارِيَنَّ اللَّجُوجَ في مَحْفِل۔

This can be translated as,

Never argue with a stubborn person in a gathering.

In this exegesis, we will delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (lajuj) "لَّجُوجَ" refers to someone who is stubborn, obstinate, or resistant to reason. It denotes a person who refuses to listen to others, persistently holds onto their own opinions, and is unwilling to engage in a constructive dialogue. Such individuals often create discord and conflict within gatherings, as their stubbornness prevents them from considering alternative perspectives.

The Quran provides guidance on how to deal with such individuals. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

This verse advises Muslims to exercise patience and maintain companionship with those who are sincere in their worship of Allah. However, it also warns against following or obeying those whose hearts have been made heedless of Allah's remembrance. This includes individuals who are stubborn and driven by their own desires, neglecting the guidance of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding arguments with such individuals in a gathering. Engaging in a futile argument with a stubborn person not only wastes time and energy but also disrupts the harmony of the gathering. Instead, it is more beneficial to maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere, focusing on constructive discussions that promote unity and understanding.

The Quran further emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary arguments and disputes. In Surah Al-An'am (6:68), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.

This verse advises Muslims to disengage from those who engage in offensive discourse or arguments about the verses of Allah. By turning away from such individuals, we maintain our own peace of mind and avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts. This approach aligns with Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance to avoid arguing with stubborn individuals in a gathering.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries profound wisdom and practical implications. By refraining from arguing with stubborn individuals, we preserve the sanctity of gatherings and promote a peaceful environment. This approach allows for productive discussions and prevents unnecessary conflicts that can hinder progress and unity.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on avoiding arguments in a gathering highlights his deep knowledge and understanding of human psychology. He recognized that engaging in futile arguments with stubborn individuals not only fails to change their opinions but also risks escalating tensions and creating divisions among Muslims.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith advises Muslims to refrain from arguing with stubborn individuals in a gathering. This guidance aligns with the Quranic teachings of maintaining patience, avoiding unnecessary disputes, and preserving the harmony of gatherings. By following this advice, we can foster a peaceful and productive environment that promotes unity and understanding among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement this guidance in our lives.