Hadith #6905

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes three important actions:

Pardon wrongdoings, stave off punishment, and overlook that which has not become evident for you.

Let us delve into the meanings of these words and their implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, the word (athrata) "عَثْرَةَ" refers to wrongdoings, mistakes, or offenses committed by others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to pardon these wrongdoings. This means to forgive and let go of the grievances caused by others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages forgiveness in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

And those who forgive and overlook, indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Secondly, the phrase (idra'i al-hadda) "ادْرَأِ الحَدَّ" can be translated as "stave off punishment." It implies preventing or deterring the punishment that may befall someone due to their wrongdoing. This can be done through intercession, supplication, or any other means that may prevent the consequences of their actions. The Quran affirms the significance of intercession in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:48):

And [recall] when We saved your forefathers from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with the worst torment, slaughtering your [newborn] sons and keeping your females alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord. And We made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights and perfected them by [the addition of] ten; so the term of his Lord was completed as forty nights. And Moses said to his brother Aaron, 'Take my place among my people, do right [by them], and do not follow the way of the corrupters.'

Lastly, the phrase (tajawaz 'amma lam yusarrakh laka bihi)

تَجاوَزْ عَمّا لَمْ يُصَرَّحْ لَكَ بِهِ

means to overlook or disregard that which has not become evident to you. It refers to situations where one may not have complete knowledge or evidence about a matter, and thus, it is advised to refrain from making judgments or taking actions based on incomplete information. This concept is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6):

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a forgiving and compassionate attitude towards others. It teaches us to let go of grudges and to seek reconciliation instead of revenge. By pardoning wrongdoings, we promote peace and harmony within our communities.

Furthermore, staving off punishment highlights the importance of intercession and supplication in seeking mercy for others. It reminds us that we should strive to prevent harm from befalling others, even when they have erred. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of compassion and mercy, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:22):

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Lastly, the instruction to overlook that which has not become evident to us reminds us to exercise caution and refrain from passing judgment based on incomplete information. It encourages us to seek clarity and understanding before making assumptions or taking action. This aligns with the Quranic principle of justice, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to pardon wrongdoings, stave off punishment, and overlook that which has not become evident to them. By following these teachings, we can foster forgiveness, compassion, and justice within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these virtues in our lives.