Hadith #5266

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards sinners and disobedient individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that those who have been protected from sins and have been favored with safety should not look down upon or condemn those who have fallen into disobedience. Instead, they should have pity on them and strive to guide them towards the right path.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (ismah) "عِصْمَةِ" refers to being protected from sins and mistakes. It is a state of purity and righteousness that is granted to certain individuals by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (masnu'i) "مَصْنُوعِ" refers to being favored with safety and protection from misdeeds. It implies being shielded from the temptations and traps of sin.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises those who possess these qualities to show mercy and compassion towards sinners and disobedient individuals. This means that instead of looking down upon them or treating them with disdain, they should empathize with their struggles and shortcomings. They should understand that everyone is prone to making mistakes and falling into sin, and it is only by the grace of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that they have been protected.

To support this teaching, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and reconciliation among believers. It reminds us to show mercy and compassion to one another, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and generosity towards those in need. It encourages us to overlook the faults of others and extend a helping hand, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises in the Hadith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that gratitude for one's good state should prevail over them and act as a barrier for them. This means that those who have been protected and favored should be grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their blessings and use their good state as a means to inspire and guide others towards righteousness. By embodying the teachings of Islam and demonstrating the positive effects of obedience to Allah, they can serve as a barrier against sin and disobedience for others.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of being a positive influence in society and inviting others towards goodness. It reminds us that by embodying the teachings of Islam and demonstrating gratitude for our blessings, we can inspire others to follow the right path, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises in the Hadith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards sinners and disobedient individuals. It reminds us that we should not look down upon or condemn them, but rather strive to guide them towards the right path. By embodying the teachings of Islam, demonstrating gratitude for our blessings, and being a positive influence in society, we can inspire others to seek forgiveness and strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of mercy, compassion, and righteousness.