Hadith #9751

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Lamaḥabbata ma'a kathratimira." This Hadith can be translated into English as,

With excessive disputation, there can be no affection.

Let us delve into the meanings and implications of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word "lamaḥabbata" in the Hadith refers to affection, love, or harmony between individuals. It signifies the bond that exists between people, which is built on mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. On the other hand, "kathratimira" refers to excessive disputation or argumentation. It highlights the act of engaging in constant disagreements and disputes, which can lead to division and animosity among individuals.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony among Muslims in several verses. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

This verse highlights the negative consequences of excessive disputation, which can weaken the Muslim community and hinder their progress.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes in a just and fair manner, rather than allowing them to escalate and cause division among believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the detrimental effects of excessive disputation on relationships. When individuals engage in constant arguments and disagreements, it creates a toxic environment that erodes trust, respect, and affection. Such an atmosphere is not conducive to fostering strong bonds within the Muslim community.

Excessive disputation can lead to a breakdown in communication, as people become more focused on proving their own point rather than listening to others. This can result in misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and a lack of empathy towards one another. As a consequence, unity and harmony suffer, and the overall strength of the community is compromised.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize love, understanding, and empathy in their interactions with others. It encourages us to seek common ground and engage in constructive dialogue, rather than engaging in constant arguments and disputes. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships, foster a sense of unity, and work towards the betterment of the Muslim community as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of avoiding excessive disputation, as it hinders the development of affection and harmony among individuals. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, we understand that unity and harmony are essential for the progress and strength of the Muslim community. Let us strive to prioritize love, understanding, and empathy in our interactions, and work towards building a united and harmonious ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts and bless us with affection and unity.