Hadith #2595

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لا مَوَدَّةَ لِحَقُود۔" This can be translated into English as,

The spiteful person has no love.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةَ" refers to love, affection, and goodwill. It is a deep and sincere form of love that goes beyond mere emotions. The word (haqood) "حَقُود" refers to someone who is spiteful, envious, or harbors ill feelings towards others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of love and unity among Muslims in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of fostering love and brotherhood among believers, and it directly opposes the behavior of a spiteful person who lacks love.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah describes the qualities of the Ansar, the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun. Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse highlights the selfless love and generosity of the Ansar towards the Muhajirun, which is in stark contrast to the behavior of a spiteful person.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the destructive nature of spite and envy. When someone harbors ill feelings towards others, it prevents them from experiencing the true essence of love and compassion. Love is a fundamental aspect of Islam, and it is through love that we can build strong and harmonious relationships within the Muslim community.

A spiteful person, on the other hand, is consumed by negative emotions and fails to recognize the importance of love and unity. Their actions and words are driven by envy and resentment, which can lead to division and animosity among Muslims. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to avoid such behavior and strive to cultivate love and goodwill in their hearts.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound consequences of harboring ill feelings towards others. It not only damages our relationships with others but also hinders our spiritual growth. Love and unity are essential for the progress and prosperity of the Muslim ummah. When we let go of spite and embrace love, we create an environment of harmony and cooperation, which strengthens our collective bond as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of love and warns against the destructive nature of spite and envy. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize love and unity, we can understand the significance of this Hadith in our lives as Muslims. Let us strive to cultivate love in our hearts, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be among those who embody the true essence of Islam.