Hadith #1713

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The punishment of the hot tempered, spiteful and jealous people starts from [within] themselves.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and attitudes, particularly in relation to anger, spite, and jealousy.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghadub) "غَضُوبِ" refers to anger or hot temper, while (haqood) "حَقُودِ" denotes spitefulness or harboring ill feelings towards others. Lastly, (hasood) "حَسُودِ" refers to jealousy or envy.

To gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive nature of anger in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our anger and forgiving others, as it is a characteristic beloved by Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran also addresses the issue of spitefulness and harboring ill feelings towards others. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, as it leads to a toxic environment and damages relationships.

Jealousy, another trait mentioned in the Hadith, is also condemned in the Quran. In Surah Al-Nisa, verse 32, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against envy and its consequences:

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.

This verse reminds us that Allah has apportioned blessings to each individual according to His wisdom, and we should not covet what others possess.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the punishment for those who possess these negative traits begins within themselves. This means that the consequences of anger, spite, and jealousy are not limited to their impact on others, but they also harm the individuals who possess these qualities.

For instance, a person with a hot temper may find themselves alienating loved ones, damaging relationships, and causing unnecessary strife. This not only affects their own emotional well-being but also creates a negative environment for those around them. Similarly, someone who harbors spiteful feelings towards others will find themselves consumed by negativity, leading to a constant state of unhappiness and discontentment.

Jealousy, too, has detrimental effects on an individual's spiritual and emotional state. When one is envious of others, they are unable to appreciate their own blessings and are constantly comparing themselves to others. This leads to feelings of inadequacy, discontentment, and a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement in this Hadith. By recognizing and acknowledging these negative traits within ourselves, we can take the necessary steps to rectify our behavior and purify our hearts. It is essential for Muslims to strive towards cultivating patience, forgiveness, and contentment, as these are qualities that are beloved by Allah and lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and attitudes. It highlights the destructive nature of anger, spite, and jealousy, and emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and self-reflection. By striving to control our anger, avoid spitefulness, and overcome jealousy, we can attain a higher level of spiritual and emotional well-being. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and help us in purifying our hearts from these negative traits.