Hadith #3201

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اَلاُمُورُ المُنْتَظِمَةُ يُفْسِدُهَا الخِلافُ۔

This can be translated as,

Organized affairs are disrupted by disagreement.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-umur) "الأمور" refers to matters, affairs, or issues. It encompasses all aspects of life, including personal, social, and religious matters. The word (al-muntazimah) "المنتظمة" means organized or well-structured. It implies that when matters are arranged and managed properly, they function smoothly and harmoniously. On the other hand, the word (al-khilaf) "الخلاف" means disagreement or discord. It represents a state of conflict or divergence of opinions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony among Muslims in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse highlights the necessity of unity and warns against division, as it can lead to the disruption of organized affairs.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart.

This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of disputes and disagreements, which can weaken the Muslim community and hinder their progress.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that organized affairs, whether they are personal, social, or religious, can be disrupted and rendered ineffective by disagreements. When individuals or groups within a community are divided, their collective efforts are weakened, and their goals become harder to achieve.

We can observe this principle in various aspects of life. For instance, in a family, if there is constant disagreement and conflict, the household becomes chaotic and the well-being of its members is compromised. Similarly, in a society, when different factions are at odds with one another, progress and development are hindered, and the overall welfare of the community suffers.

In the context of religious matters, the Hadith reminds us of the importance of unity among Muslims. When disagreements arise within the ummah, it leads to fragmentation and division, weakening the collective strength of the Muslim community. This disunity not only affects the internal affairs of the ummah but also hampers its ability to address external challenges and present a united front.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the destructive nature of disagreements. His words serve as a call for Muslims to prioritize unity, understanding, and cooperation, even in the face of differing opinions. By doing so, we can maintain the order and harmony necessary for the successful functioning of our affairs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the detrimental effects of disagreements on organized affairs. It urges Muslims to prioritize unity and harmony, drawing our attention to the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of avoiding disputes and divisions. By fostering unity and resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner, we can ensure the smooth functioning of our personal, social, and religious matters, and ultimately strengthen the Muslim community as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow this wisdom and grant us the ability to maintain unity and harmony among ourselves.