Hadith #10181

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.

In this profound Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable guidance on how to deal with suspicions or doubts regarding the actions of our women. He advises us to assign a guard who will watch over the family, both the old and the young, in order to ensure their well-being and protect against any potential harm. It is important to note that this guard is not specifically assigned to watch over the women, as this may cause them unease and discomfort.

The Imam then warns against continuously scolding our women in such situations. He advises us to refrain from repeatedly expressing our dissatisfaction or disapproval, as this can have negative consequences. Continuous scolding can lead to the incitement of sinful behavior and make it easier for them to bear the scolding, as they become accustomed to it.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony and peace within the family unit. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 4:19)

And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good

This verse reminds us of the need to treat our spouses with kindness and understanding, even in difficult situations.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to address matters of suspicion or doubt with wisdom and fairness. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 49:12)

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 reminds us to refrain from making baseless assumptions and to avoid spying or backbiting. Instead, we should fear Allah and seek His guidance in resolving any issues that may arise.

Imam Ali's advice aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. By assigning a guard to watch over the family, we ensure their safety and well-being without causing unnecessary discomfort. This guard can be a trusted family member or a responsible individual who can provide support and guidance to all members of the family.

Furthermore, the Imam's warning against continuous scolding is rooted in the understanding that excessive criticism can lead to negative consequences. When someone is constantly scolded, they may become desensitized to it and it may lose its intended effect. This can potentially lead to a disregard for the scolding and even to the committing of sins, as the person may no longer take it seriously.

Imam Ali's profound advice teaches us the importance of maintaining a balanced approach in dealing with suspicions or doubts within our families. It reminds us to address such matters with wisdom, fairness, and kindness. By following his guidance, we can foster a harmonious and loving environment within our households, in line with the teachings of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives and bless our families with love, understanding, and tranquility.