Hadith #9614

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, and his noble companions.

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

Be soft without being weak and stern without using force.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in our interactions with others. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (layyinan) "لَيِّناً", which translates to "soft" or "gentle." This term denotes a demeanor characterized by kindness, compassion, and understanding. It encourages us to be considerate and empathetic towards others, treating them with respect and tenderness. The Quran emphasizes the importance of gentleness in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

On the other hand, the word (da'f) "ضَعْف" means "weakness" or "feebleness." In this context, it refers to being lenient to the extent that it compromises our principles and values. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to be weak in our convictions or compromise our beliefs in the face of adversity. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that urge Muslims to stand firm in their faith, as mentioned in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be steadfast and strive in patience and be in constant contact with Allah, that you may be successful.

Moving on to the second part of the Hadith, we encounter the word (shadidan) "شَدِيداً", which means "stern" or "firm." This term implies being resolute and unwavering in upholding justice and righteousness. It calls for a firm stance against wrongdoing and injustice, without resorting to aggression or force. The Quran emphasizes the importance of firmness in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

However, it is crucial to note that being stern does not imply resorting to force or violence. The phrase (min ghayri 'unf) "مِنْ غَيْرِ عُنْف" in the Hadith emphasizes the need to avoid using force or aggression in our interactions. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that promote peaceful resolution and forbids transgression. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach in their dealings with others. It reminds us to be gentle and kind, yet firm and unwavering in upholding justice. By embodying these qualities, we can foster harmonious relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and promote a just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between gentleness and firmness in their interactions. It urges us to be soft without compromising our principles and to be stern without resorting to force. By following this guidance, we can emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and navigate our interactions with wisdom and grace.