Hadith #7770

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (a.s) states:

لاتَفْعَلْ ما يَشينُ العِرْضَ والإسْمَ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

Do not do that which will lower your dignity and your reputation.

In this Hadith, there are a few important words that require our attention. The word (yashinu) "يَشينُ" means to degrade, tarnish, or lower. It refers to any action or behavior that brings disgrace or shame upon oneself. The word (al-'ird) "العِرْضَ" refers to one's honor, dignity, or self-respect. And the word (al-ism) "الإسْمَ" refers to one's reputation or good name.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

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. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of respecting the honor and dignity of others. It warns against ridiculing or insulting others, as it tarnishes not only their reputation but also one's own character. By extension, Imam Ali (a.s) advises us to refrain from any action or behavior that would bring disgrace upon ourselves and damage our reputation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This ayah reminds us of the inherent honor and dignity bestowed upon every human being by Allah. We are all created with a noble purpose and have been given the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect and uphold our own honor and dignity by avoiding actions that degrade or tarnish them.

Imam Ali (a.s), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be mindful of our actions and their potential consequences. When we engage in behavior that lowers our dignity and reputation, we not only harm ourselves but also diminish the respect and trust others have in us. Our words and actions have a lasting impact on how we are perceived by others, and it is crucial to maintain a positive image that reflects our true character.

For example, if we engage in gossip, slander, or backbiting, we not only harm the reputation of others but also damage our own integrity. Similarly, if we engage in dishonesty, cheating, or unethical practices, we not only compromise our own dignity but also lose the trust and respect of those around us. These actions not only have immediate consequences but also long-term effects on our personal and professional relationships.

Imam Ali (a.s) reminds us that our reputation is a precious asset that should be guarded and protected. It is a reflection of our character, values, and principles. By avoiding actions that degrade our honor and reputation, we uphold the teachings of Islam and strive to be individuals of integrity and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (a.s) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and their impact on their own dignity and reputation. It urges us to refrain from engaging in behavior that brings disgrace upon ourselves and tarnishes our good name. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be individuals of honor, integrity, and righteousness. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from actions that lower our dignity and reputation.