Hadith #5106

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

لَيْسَ بِشَرّ مِنَ الشَّرِّ إلاّ عِقابُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

There is nothing worse than evil except its retribution.

Let us delve into the meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sharr) "شَرّ" in Arabic refers to evil or harm. It encompasses all forms of wrongdoing, injustice, and immorality. It represents actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam and bring about negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that there is nothing worse than evil except its retribution. This means that the consequences and punishment for engaging in evil deeds are even more severe and detrimental than the evil itself. It serves as a reminder that every action has consequences, and those who commit evil will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah An-Nisa (4:123):

Not equal are the good deed and the bad deed. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness and righteousness. By doing so, we not only repel evil but also have the potential to transform our enemies into friends. This approach is a manifestation of the principle mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:160), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.

This verse highlights the divine justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in rewarding good deeds and punishing evil deeds. It reinforces the idea that the retribution for evil is equal to the magnitude of the evil itself. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and strive to engage in righteous deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to abstain from evil and to be conscious of the consequences of their actions. It encourages individuals to choose the path of righteousness and goodness, knowing that the retribution for evil is severe.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that the consequences of our actions extend beyond this worldly life. Just as evil deeds lead to their own retribution, good deeds are rewarded manifold by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as Muslims to strive for righteousness, seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings, and constantly seek to improve ourselves.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the consequences of evil. May He grant us the wisdom and strength to choose goodness over evil in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.