Hadith #1367

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,

إنَّ المُؤْمنينَ هَيْنُونَ، لَيْنُونَ۔

This can be translated as,

Indeed believers are approachable and soft-hearted.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (haynoon) "هَيْنُونَ" in Arabic refers to being approachable, gentle, and kind-hearted. It signifies a softness of character and a disposition that is open and receptive to others. The word (laynoon) "لَيْنُونَ" further emphasizes this quality of being soft-hearted, compassionate, and tender.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to adopt these qualities. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 159, Allah 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.

This verse highlights the importance of approaching others with gentleness and kindness, as it fosters unity and cohesion within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54, Allah describes Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as having a similar quality of being approachable and soft-hearted. Allah says,

And when he [Moses] came to it [the city of Madyan], he was oppressed by thirst. He found at the water [well] a group of men watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women driving back [their flocks]. He said, 'What is your circumstance?' They said, 'We do not water until the shepherds dispatch [their flocks]; and our father is an old man.'

This verse showcases the compassionate nature of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as he approached the women with kindness and concern, inquiring about their situation. This exemplifies the importance of being approachable and soft-hearted towards others, especially those in need.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of embodying these qualities as believers. It encourages Muslims to be accessible and gentle in their interactions with others, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and compassion.

When believers possess such qualities, they become a source of comfort and solace for those around them. Their approachability allows others to seek guidance, support, and counsel without hesitation. Their soft-heartedness enables them to empathize with the struggles and hardships of others, offering a helping hand and a listening ear.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own character and strive to cultivate these qualities within themselves. By doing so, they can contribute to the betterment of society and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among believers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being approachable and soft-hearted as believers. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principles of kindness, compassion, and empathy. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can create an atmosphere of love, understanding, and unity within the community, and become a source of comfort and support for those in need. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).