Hadith #9385

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 purified Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

فَقْدُ اللِّئامِ راحَةُ الأنامِ۔

This can be translated as,

Absence of vile people is a [source of] comfort for the people.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the absence of wicked individuals in society and how it brings peace and tranquility to the people.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us reflect upon some important words. The term (vile people) "لِّئامِ" refers to those who possess evil qualities, engage in immoral behavior, and cause harm to others. These individuals are a source of disturbance, chaos, and unrest in society. On the other hand, (comfort) "راحَةُ" signifies a state of ease, tranquility, and well-being. It is a state where individuals can live peacefully and without fear.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of removing wickedness from society in order to establish peace and harmony. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:64),

And the Jews say, 'The hand of Allah is chained.' Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends however He wills. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. And We have cast among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindled the fire of war [against you], Allah extinguished it. And they strive throughout the land [causing] corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the consequences of the wicked actions of certain individuals. Their animosity and hatred towards the believers lead to corruption and strife in society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also mentions in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46),

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and avoiding disputes among Muslims. When individuals engage in arguments and conflicts, it weakens the overall strength of the community. Therefore, the absence of vile people who cause disputes and division is crucial for maintaining the strength and unity of the Muslim ummah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood the significance of removing wickedness from society. His knowledge and wisdom allowed him to identify the negative impact that vile individuals have on the well-being of the people. By highlighting the absence of such individuals as a source of comfort, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to strive for a society free from wickedness.

The consequences of the presence of vile people in society are far-reaching. Their actions can lead to corruption, injustice, and the erosion of moral values. They create an environment of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. On the other hand, the absence of such individuals allows for the establishment of a peaceful and harmonious society, where individuals can thrive and prosper.

As Muslims, it is our duty to strive for the removal of wickedness from our communities. We should work towards creating an environment where righteousness, justice, and compassion prevail. This can be achieved by promoting good deeds, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong, as commanded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of the absence of vile people in society as a source of comfort for the people. It highlights the negative impact that wicked individuals have on the well-being of the community and encourages Muslims to strive for a society free from wickedness. By reflecting upon the Quranic verses that emphasize the consequences of wicked actions and the importance of unity, we can understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith and strive to establish a peaceful and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts to remove wickedness from our communities and grant us the ability to establish peace and justice in the world.