The Etiquette of Social Interaction in the Hadiths of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him)

The Etiquette of Social Interaction in the Hadiths of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him)

Chapter One: Obligatory and Recommended Rights in Social Interaction

Dozens of Hadiths have been narrated from Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him) regarding fostering fellowship with brothers (in faith), visiting them, smiling at them, fulfilling their rights, hosting them, upholding justice and fairness toward them, returning trusts to them, keeping their secrets, and aiding the weak among them, among other topics, as will be detailed in this chapter.

1. The Obligation to Fulfill the Right of a Believer

Sheikh al-Saduq narrated in ‘Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha from Ja’far ibn Nu’aym ibn Shadhan, from Ahmad ibn Idris, from Ibrahim ibn Hashim, from Ibrahim ibn al-‘Abbas, who said: “I never saw al-Ridha (peace be upon him) treat anyone harshly with a single word, nor did I ever see him interrupt anyone’s speech until they had finished. He never refused a need that he was capable of fulfilling. He never stretched out his legs in the presence of someone sitting with him, nor did he ever lean back (in a relaxed posture) in the presence of someone sitting with him. I never saw him insult any of his servants or slaves, nor did I see him spit, nor did I see him laugh loudly (cackle); rather, his laughter was a smile.” [1]

[1] ‘Uyun Akhbar al-Imam al-Ridha, Vol. 2, p. 184; Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 8, p. 547; Mustadrak Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 8, p. 439; Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 49, p. 90; A’lam al-Wara, p. 237; Kashf al-Ghumma, Vol. 2, p. 316.

2. The Recommendation to Foster Fellowship with Brothers

Also, in Thawab al-A’mal, with its chain of transmission from Muhammad ibn Yazid, he said: I heard al-Ridha (peace be upon him) say: “Whoever gains a brother for the sake of Allah has gained a house in Paradise.” [2]

3. The Recommendation of Good Conduct (Akhlaq) with People

Al-Hurr al-‘Amili (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated from ‘Uyun with its chain of transmission from al-Ridha (peace be upon him), from his forefathers, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “You must have good character, for good character is certainly in Paradise. And beware of bad character, for bad character is certainly in the Fire.” [3]

Also in al-Wasa’il, with the same chain of transmission, he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Bad character corrupts deeds just as vinegar corrupts honey.” [4]

In it also, with the same chain of transmission, he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “A servant attains through his good character the station of the one who fasts (during the day) and stands (in prayer at night).” [5]

In it also, with the aforementioned chain of transmission, he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “There is nothing heavier on the scale than good character.” [6]

And in it also, with the aforementioned chain of transmission, he said: Ali (peace be upon him) said: “The most complete among you in faith is the one with the best character.” [7]

[2] Thawab al-A’mal, p. 83; Wasa’il, 8/407

[3] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 8, p. 506

[4] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 8, p. 506

[5] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 8, p. 506

[6] ‘Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha

[7] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, Vol. 8, p. 506