Hadith #2529

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The best favour of the wicked person is holding back his harm [from others].

This Hadith highlights the importance of restraining oneself from causing harm to others, even for those who may be considered wicked or immoral.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفِ" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, or virtue. It encompasses all actions that are considered morally upright and beneficial to others. The word (la'īm) "لَّئِيمِ" refers to someone who is wicked, immoral, or of bad character. It describes a person who may engage in harmful or negative behavior.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2),

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of working together in acts of righteousness and goodness, while avoiding participation in sin and aggression. It encourages Muslims to support one another in virtuous deeds and to abstain from any form of harm or wrongdoing.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking in a manner that is good and beneficial. It reminds us that our words have the power to either bring people together or cause division. By choosing to hold back from causing harm through our words and actions, we can contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that even a person with wicked tendencies can perform a great act of goodness by refraining from causing harm to others. This act of restraint demonstrates a level of self-control and consideration for the well-being of others. It is a manifestation of the individual's recognition of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their own personal flaws or shortcomings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His profound knowledge and wisdom enabled him to understand the significance of holding back harm and promoting goodness. He would often advise his companions to exercise patience and forgiveness, even in the face of adversity. By doing so, he set an example for Muslims to follow, emphasizing the importance of self-restraint and compassion towards others.

The consequences of practicing this teaching are far-reaching. When individuals choose to hold back from causing harm, they contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society. By exercising self-control and refraining from negative behavior, they create an environment where trust, respect, and empathy can flourish. This, in turn, leads to stronger relationships, increased unity, and a greater sense of well-being for all members of the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. We are encouraged to evaluate our own actions and strive to hold back from causing harm to others, even when faced with challenging circumstances. By doing so, we can contribute to a more compassionate and virtuous society, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and embodying the teachings of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to hold back from causing harm and to actively engage in acts of kindness and goodness. May we all strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and follow the teachings of the Quran in our daily lives.