Hadith #263

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

For every thing to which people say 'how good!' there is an evil hidden in this world.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights an important aspect of the world we live in. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (tuba) "طُوبَى" in Arabic is used to express joy and happiness. It is a word of praise and admiration. When people say "how good!" or "how fortunate!" about something, they are expressing their positive perception of that thing. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that behind every apparent goodness, there may be an evil lurking.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the existence of trials and tribulations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216):

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that what may seem good to us may not always be beneficial in the long run.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly blessings and the impermanence of material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not be deceived by the apparent goodness of things in this world. It urges us to look beyond the surface and consider the potential consequences and hidden evils associated with what may seem desirable.

For example, one may desire wealth and material possessions, thinking that they will bring happiness and contentment. However, the pursuit of wealth can lead to greed, selfishness, and a neglect of spiritual and moral values. The love for wealth can become a source of corruption and injustice in society. Thus, the apparent goodness of wealth may be accompanied by hidden evils.

Similarly, one may desire fame and recognition, believing that it will bring fulfillment and validation. However, the pursuit of fame can lead to arrogance, a loss of privacy, and a constant need for validation from others. The desire for fame can become a source of stress and anxiety, as one is constantly under scrutiny. Therefore, the apparent goodness of fame may also be accompanied by hidden evils.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the potential consequences and hidden evils associated with the things they desire and admire in this world. It encourages us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in order to navigate through the complexities of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that behind every apparent goodness, there may be hidden evils. It urges us to be cautious and not be deceived by the surface level of things in this world. By seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can navigate through the complexities of life and strive for true goodness and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between the apparent and the hidden, and guide us on the path of righteousness.