Hadith #3120

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Beat your servant when he disobeys Allah but forgive him when he disobeys you.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing obedience to Allah over personal grievances. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (iḍrib) "اِضْرِب" in the Hadith is translated as "beat" or "strike." However, it is crucial to understand that this command is not a blanket permission to physically harm others. Rather, it is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes the need for discipline and correction when someone disobeys Allah's commands. It is a call to take appropriate measures to rectify their behavior and guide them towards the path of righteousness.

To understand the wisdom behind this statement, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:20)

And those whom your right hands possess - give them their due right, as it is an obligation upon you. And if you wish to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in injustice and manifest sin?

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of those under our authority, including servants or employees. It reminds us to treat them justly and not to transgress against them.

However, the Hadith also instructs us to forgive our servants when they disobey us. This teaches us the virtue of forgiveness and the importance of maintaining good relations with those under our care. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, (Quran 24:22)

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages us to forgive others and overlook their faults, just as we hope for Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our primary concern should be the obedience of Allah. When someone under our authority disobeys Allah, it becomes our duty to guide and correct them. This can be done through various means, such as advising, teaching, or disciplining them in a manner that is appropriate and within the boundaries of Islamic teachings.

However, it is equally important to remember that forgiveness should be our default response when someone disobeys us personally. By forgiving others, we emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This forgiveness not only strengthens our relationships but also earns us the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing obedience to Allah over personal grievances. It reminds us to discipline and correct those under our authority when they disobey Allah, while also emphasizing the virtue of forgiveness when they disobey us personally. By following this guidance, we can establish a just and compassionate society, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah guide us all to implement these teachings in our lives.