Hadith #3220

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of noble character and ethics in Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, teaches us three essential qualities that form the foundation of a virtuous and righteous individual.

The first quality mentioned in the Hadith is to build ties with the one who cuts you off. This means maintaining relationships and extending kindness to those who have severed ties with us. This teaching is in line with the Quranic principle of maintaining family ties and fostering unity among Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:1),

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

By reaching out to those who have cut us off, we demonstrate our commitment to the teachings of Islam and strive to maintain harmony within our families and communities.

The second quality mentioned is to give to the one who deprives you. This refers to being generous and charitable towards those who have denied us their assistance or have withheld their resources from us. This teaching aligns with the Quranic command to give in charity and help those in need. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

By giving to those who have deprived us, we display selflessness and emulate the generosity of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.

The third quality mentioned in the Hadith is to forgive the one who wrongs you. This entails pardoning those who have caused us harm or injustice. Forgiveness is a fundamental principle in Islam, and it is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ash-Shura (42:40),

The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Verily, He likes not the Zalimun (oppressors, polytheists, and wrongdoers).

By forgiving others, we not only follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family but also free ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that these qualities are among the noblest of character traits. By building ties with those who cut us off, giving to those who deprive us, and forgiving those who wrong us, we embody the true essence of Islam. These qualities promote unity, compassion, and forgiveness within our communities and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate noble character and ethics. By practicing these qualities, we strengthen our relationships, exhibit generosity, and foster forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and strive towards becoming individuals of noble character.