Hadith #7769

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَفْعَلَنَّ ما يَعُرُّكَ مَعابُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Never do that which would tarnish you with disgrace.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to refrain from engaging in actions that would bring them shame or dishonor. The word (ma'abuhu) "مَعابُهُ" refers to disgrace or humiliation. It is derived from the root word (ayb) "عَيْب", which means a flaw or blemish. Thus, the Imam is urging us to avoid any behavior that would stain our reputation or integrity.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's honor and dignity. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah says,

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. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse highlights the prohibition of mocking or belittling others, as it can lead to humiliation and disgrace. It reminds us to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or status. By adhering to this commandment, we can avoid tarnishing our own reputation and maintain a harmonious society.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the importance of guarding one's tongue and refraining from spreading rumors or engaging in backbiting. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse serves as a reminder that engaging in gossip or spreading false information can lead to disgrace and harm both the individual being spoken about and the one speaking. It encourages Muslims to be cautious of their assumptions and to refrain from engaging in harmful speech. By doing so, we can protect our own honor and maintain a positive and respectful environment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is not limited to avoiding actions that bring personal disgrace but also extends to actions that may bring disgrace to the entire Muslim community. Each individual's actions reflect upon the broader Muslim ummah, and therefore, it is crucial to act in a manner that upholds the values and teachings of Islam.

For example, if a Muslim engages in dishonest business practices or behaves immorally, it not only tarnishes their own reputation but also brings disgrace to the entire Muslim community. Similarly, if a Muslim engages in acts of violence or extremism, it not only reflects poorly on them but also brings shame to the religion of Islam as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance serves as a reminder for Muslims to always strive for excellence in their actions and to avoid anything that may bring disgrace or dishonor. By upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, and compassion, we can not only protect our own reputation but also contribute to the positive image of Islam in the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to refrain from engaging in actions that would tarnish us with disgrace. This advice aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of maintaining honor and dignity. By avoiding harmful speech, treating others with respect, and upholding the values of Islam, we can protect our own reputation and contribute to the positive image of the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow this guidance and protect us from any actions that may bring disgrace.