Hadith #9729

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of encouraging one's brother to obey Allah and preventing him from committing sins. It highlights the significance of magnanimity and the responsibility we have towards our fellow Muslims in guiding them towards righteousness.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The first term is "muruwwah," which can be translated as magnanimity or nobility. It refers to the quality of being generous, honorable, and virtuous. In this context, it signifies the establishment of this noble trait through specific actions.

The next term is "mujahadah," which means struggling or striving. Here, it refers to the effort made to guide and support our brothers in their obedience to Allah. It entails actively engaging with them, advising and encouraging them to follow the path of righteousness.

The Hadith also mentions "ta'ah," which translates to obedience. It signifies compliance with the commands of Allah, following His guidance, and submitting to His will. Encouraging our brothers to obey Allah implies guiding them towards fulfilling their religious obligations and abstaining from prohibited actions.

On the other hand, "ma'asiyah" refers to disobedience or sin. It encompasses actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam and displease Allah. Restraining our brothers from committing sins involves advising them against engaging in sinful behavior and reminding them of the consequences of their actions.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of advising one another towards truth and righteousness, which aligns with the message of the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah states,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the obligation to intervene and reconcile between two disputing parties, ensuring justice and adherence to the commands of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to increase our censure of our brothers for their disobedience. This does not mean that we should engage in harsh criticism or belittle them. Instead, it encourages us to express our disapproval of their actions in a constructive and compassionate manner. By doing so, we aim to awaken their conscience, remind them of their responsibilities, and motivate them to rectify their behavior.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility towards our fellow Muslims. It reminds us that we are not only accountable for our own actions but also for guiding and supporting our brothers and sisters in their journey towards righteousness. By actively engaging with them, advising them, and encouraging them to obey Allah, we contribute to the betterment of the entire Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the establishment of magnanimity through struggling with our brothers to make them obey Allah and restraining them from disobeying Him. It encourages us to increase our censure of their disobedience in a compassionate manner. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings of advising one another towards truth and righteousness and intervening to reconcile disputes. As Muslims, it is our duty to actively engage with our fellow believers, guiding and supporting them on the path of obedience to Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to fulfill this responsibility.