Hadith #10658

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ألْمُبادَرَةُ إلَى الاِنْتِقامِ مِنْ شِيَمِ اللِّئامِ۔

This can be translated as,

Rushing to take revenge is from the traits of the wicked.

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

The word (mubadara) "مُبَادَرَةُ" in this Hadith refers to the act of rushing or hastening towards something. It signifies a quick and impulsive reaction without proper contemplation or consideration. On the other hand, (al-intiqam) "الاِنْتِقَامِ" means seeking revenge or retribution. It involves responding to an offense or harm with the intention of inflicting harm upon the wrongdoer.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:178)

And if you punish (an enemy, O believers), punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient

This verse highlights the virtue of patience and restraint, even in the face of harm. It encourages Muslims to respond to aggression with measured and proportionate actions, rather than rushing into revenge. By doing so, we uphold the principles of justice and avoid falling into the traits of the wicked.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fussilat, Allah reminds us, (41:34)

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. 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 teaches us to respond to evil with goodness, to repel hatred with love, and to transform enemies into friends through our noble conduct.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. Rushing to take revenge is a characteristic of the wicked because it disregards the principles of justice, patience, and forgiveness that Islam promotes. It leads to a cycle of violence and perpetuates enmity between individuals and communities.

When we rush to seek revenge, we often act impulsively and without considering the consequences of our actions. We may harm innocent individuals, escalate conflicts, and create divisions within society. In contrast, when we exercise patience and seek reconciliation, we have the opportunity to break the cycle of violence and foster unity and peace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of self-control and reflection before taking any action. He encourages us to rise above our base instincts and to emulate the noble qualities exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that rushing to take revenge is a trait of the wicked. It goes against the principles of justice, patience, and forgiveness that are emphasized in the Quran. Instead, we are encouraged to exercise self-restraint, seek reconciliation, and respond to evil with goodness. By doing so, we can break the cycle of violence and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.