Hadith #2592

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ كَثُرَ حِقْدُهُ قَلَّ عِتابُهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

One whose spite increases, his censure decreases.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (hikduhu) "حِقْدُهُ" refers to spite or malice, which is a feeling of ill will or resentment towards someone. The word (qalla) "قَلَّ" means to decrease or diminish, and (i'tabuhu) "عِتابُهُ" refers to censure or reproach, which is the act of expressing disapproval or criticism towards someone.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding ridicule, insults, and offensive nicknames. It teaches us to refrain from censuring or reproaching others, as it can lead to animosity and division among Muslims. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further expands on this concept by highlighting the negative consequences of harboring spite and ill will towards others.

When a person's spite or malice towards others increases, their ability to censure or reproach others decreases. This is because their judgment becomes clouded by their negative emotions, preventing them from objectively assessing the actions or behavior of others. Their criticism becomes biased and tainted by their personal grudges, leading to unfair judgments and unwarranted reproach.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse reminds us to avoid making negative assumptions about others and to refrain from backbiting or spying on them. It draws a powerful analogy, stating that consuming the flesh of a dead brother is detestable, highlighting the repugnance of backbiting and slander. Such actions are not only morally wrong but also detrimental to the unity and harmony of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to purify their hearts from spite and malice. It teaches us that when we harbor ill will towards others, our ability to objectively assess their actions diminishes. This can lead to unfair criticism, division, and the erosion of trust within the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate love, compassion, and forgiveness in our hearts. We should seek to understand others, give them the benefit of the doubt, and refrain from passing judgment based on personal grudges. By doing so, we can foster an environment of unity, respect, and mutual understanding among Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in purifying our hearts and grant us the wisdom to refrain from harboring spite towards others. May He bless us with the ability to censure with fairness and justice, and may He unite the hearts of all Muslims in love and brotherhood.