Hadith #2597

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اَلحَقُودُ لاراحَةَ لَهُ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no repose for the spiteful.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "Al-Haqood" refers to the spiteful or envious person who harbors ill will towards others. This person is filled with jealousy and resentment, seeking to harm and undermine those around them. "Larahtah" means repose or tranquility, indicating a state of inner peace and contentment.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of avoiding envy and malice towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the destructive nature of negative assumptions, backbiting, and spying on others. It draws a powerful analogy, comparing such actions to consuming the flesh of one's own brother. Just as we would find such an act repulsive, we should also find it repulsive to harbor spite and ill will towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq (113:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) teaches us to seek refuge from the evil of the envious person, saying,

From the evil of an envier when he envies.

This verse highlights the harm that envy can cause, both to the one who harbors it and to those who become its target. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to distance themselves from such negative emotions and seek refuge in Allah from their harmful effects.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the spiteful person will never find true repose or tranquility. When one is consumed by envy and malice, their heart becomes restless and their soul is deprived of peace. This state of constant agitation and dissatisfaction is a consequence of their own negative mindset and actions.

Moreover, the spiteful person not only harms themselves but also creates a toxic environment for those around them. Their negative energy and ill intentions poison relationships and sow discord among Muslims. This can lead to a breakdown of trust, unity, and brotherhood within the community.

In contrast, Islam teaches us to cultivate positive qualities such as gratitude, contentment, and love for one another. The Quran encourages us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards our fellow Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and resolving conflicts among Muslims. It reminds us that we are all part of the same Ummah, and it is our duty to promote peace, harmony, and understanding within our communities.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid harboring spite and ill will towards others. Envy and malice only bring restlessness and discontentment to the heart, depriving one of true repose. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can cultivate a spirit of love, compassion, and unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody these noble qualities and protect us from the destructive nature of envy and spite.