Hadith #6823

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Interact with people through their [norms of] etiquette but separate yourself from them in [your] actions.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining good manners and etiquettes when dealing with others, while also highlighting the need to distinguish oneself through righteous actions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khaliqu) "خالِقُوا" means to interact or deal with, while (an-nas) "النّاسَ" refers to people. The term (bi-akhlaqihim) "بِأخْلاقِهِمْ" signifies the norms or etiquettes of individuals. Furthermore, (zailuhum) "زايِلُوهُمْ" means to separate oneself or distance oneself, and (fi al-a'mal) "فِي الأعْمالِ" refers to actions or deeds.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the diversity among people and encourages us to interact with one another in order to foster understanding and unity. It emphasizes that the true measure of superiority lies in righteousness. Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with this Quranic principle by urging us to engage with people according to their norms and etiquettes.

However, the Hadith also reminds us to separate ourselves from others in our actions. This means that while we may adapt to the customs and manners of those around us, we should not compromise our own moral values and principles. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28),

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

This verse teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals and not being swayed by the materialistic desires of the world. It reminds us to prioritize our actions and associations based on the pursuit of Allah's pleasure rather than conforming to societal norms that may contradict our values.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between adapting to the customs of society and maintaining their own moral integrity. It encourages us to be respectful and understanding of others, while also upholding our own principles and striving for righteousness.

By embodying this Hadith, we can contribute positively to our communities and build bridges of understanding with people from different backgrounds. We can engage in dialogue and interactions that are rooted in kindness, empathy, and respect, while also remaining steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our religious obligations and striving for excellence in our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to interact with people according to their norms and etiquettes, while maintaining our own moral integrity in our actions. It aligns with the Quranic teachings of fostering unity, seeking righteousness, and prioritizing the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. May Allah guide us to embody these teachings in our daily lives and grant us the ability to be a source of goodness and guidance for others.