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Text and translation
English translation
20. It was narrated that 'Ali bin Abu Tâlib said: "When I narrate a Hadith from the Messenger of Allâh ﷺ to you, then think of him as being the best, the most rightly guided and the one with the utmost Taqwa (piety, righteousness)." (Sahih)
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Commentary
19 & 20
a. The Hadith means that if we come across an authentic Hadith that seems to contain an impropriety, we should interpret it in such a way that the impropriety is removed. It is because a Hadith can sometimes admit of more than one interpretation. In that situation we must adopt the interpretation that is supported by the Qur'an and other traditions of the Prophet ﷺ.
b. Just as some of the Verses of the Qur'an contain concepts that are beyond the realm of human intellect (not against it), a Hadith may also contain such concepts. The right course to adopt, in such a case, is that we keep faith in the text of the Hadith, and leave the ultimate meaning to Allâh. Traditions referring to the attributes of Allâh and details about life in Barzakh
(intervening period between death and resurrection) belong to this category.
c. The suggested course is the best course, it being nearest to true guidance and piety.