Hadith #9172

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 righteous companions.

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

الكريم من جازى الإساءة بالإحسان

which translates to

A noble-minded person is one who repays evil with good.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the noble character of a person who responds to ill-treatment or harm with kindness and benevolence.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us explore the key words and their significance. The word (karim) "كريم" refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, generosity, and magnanimity. This term encompasses a person who is honorable, virtuous, and exhibits a high moral character. (jaza) "جازى" means to repay or recompense, while (al-isaa'a) "الإساءة" refers to ill-treatment, harm, or wrongdoing. Finally, (al-ihsan) "الإحسان" signifies acts of kindness, goodness, and benevolence.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be found in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with good. In Surah Fussilat (41:34), Allah says,

Repel evil with that which is better. Then, behold, the one between whom and you there was enmity shall become as though he was a close friend.

This verse highlights the virtue of responding to harm with kindness, as it has the potential to transform animosity into friendship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah instructs the believers,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, even if they have not treated us kindly. It encourages us to respond to negativity with righteousness and goodness.

The exegesis of this Hadith can also be understood through the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Throughout his life, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the qualities of generosity, forgiveness, and compassion. Despite facing numerous adversities and betrayals, he consistently responded with kindness and benevolence. One notable example is the Battle of Uhud, where Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was severely injured while defending the Prophet (ﷺ). Despite his injuries, he forgave those who had harmed him and prayed for their guidance.

The motivation behind repaying evil with good lies in the desire to uphold the principles of Islam and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By responding to negativity with positivity, we embody the essence of Islam, which promotes peace, forgiveness, and compassion. Moreover, responding to evil with good has far-reaching consequences. It has the potential to soften hearts, bridge gaps, and foster harmony within society. It is a means of breaking the cycle of hatred and animosity, replacing it with love and understanding.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of embodying noble qualities and responding to negativity with goodness. It serves as a reminder to rise above the base instincts of revenge and retaliation, and instead, strive for a higher moral standard. By emulating the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the noble character of repaying evil with good. It encourages Muslims to embody the qualities of generosity, forgiveness, and compassion, and to respond to ill-treatment with kindness and benevolence. By doing so, we not only uphold the teachings of Islam but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these noble qualities and follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).