Hadith #821

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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) emphasizes the importance of kindness and good treatment towards our fellow Muslim brothers. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Be courteous to your brothers and don’t expose them to the harshness of your tongue.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be gentle and considerate in their interactions with others. The word (irfaq) "إرْفَقْ" signifies showing compassion, tenderness, and empathy towards our brothers in faith. It encompasses treating others with kindness, respect, and understanding.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the Quranic injunctions that emphasize the importance of good character and forbidding harshness in speech. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

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 Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) gentle and compassionate approach towards his companions, which ultimately led to their unity and cohesion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others, as it can lead to division and animosity among the Muslim community. Instead, we are encouraged to treat one another with respect and dignity, recognizing that everyone has their own unique strengths and virtues.

The second part of the Hadith states,

and let your goodness flow forth for them.

This part emphasizes the importance of actively demonstrating kindness and generosity towards our fellow Muslims. The word (ajr) "أجْرِ" refers to the reward that one receives from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their good deeds. By extending our goodness to others, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow Muslims but also increase our own rewards in the sight of Allah.

This aspect of the Hadith is beautifully echoed in the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to engage in acts of charity and kindness, for Allah loves those who perform good deeds. By being generous and benevolent towards our brothers and sisters in faith, we not only benefit them but also earn the pleasure and love of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be kind, compassionate, and considerate towards one another. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of good character, forbidding harshness in speech, and actively demonstrating kindness and generosity. By following the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran, we can foster unity, harmony, and love within the Muslim community, and ultimately earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to embody these virtues and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.