Hadith #2588

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

طَهِّرُوا قُلُوبَكُمْ مِنَ الحِقْدِ فَإنَّهُ داءٌ مُوبِيٌ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of purifying our hearts from malice, as it is described as an infectious disease. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hikd) "حِقْدِ" in this Hadith refers to malice, grudge, or ill-will towards others. It is a negative emotion that can poison our hearts and lead to harmful actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to purify our hearts from this disease, highlighting the detrimental effects it can have on our spiritual well-being.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of purifying our hearts and avoiding negative emotions. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us of the importance of treating others with respect and avoiding ridicule or insults. It teaches us to purify our hearts from arrogance and judgment towards others. By doing so, we prevent the spread of malice and create an atmosphere of harmony and unity among Muslims.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. These actions stem from malice and can cause harm to others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) compares backbiting to eating the flesh of a dead brother, emphasizing its repulsiveness. By purifying our hearts from such negative emotions and actions, we protect ourselves and our communities from the spread of this infectious disease.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to purify our hearts from malice carries profound implications. When we harbor malice towards others, it not only affects our relationship with them but also tarnishes our own spiritual state. Malice can lead to a cycle of negativity, causing divisions within the Muslim community and hindering our collective progress.

By purifying our hearts from malice, we create an environment of love, compassion, and unity. We become more forgiving, understanding, and empathetic towards others. This not only benefits our own spiritual growth but also fosters a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

Moreover, purifying our hearts from malice allows us to focus on our own self-improvement and spiritual journey. It frees us from the burden of negative emotions and enables us to channel our energy towards acts of worship and righteousness. It opens the doors for personal growth, as we strive to embody the qualities of patience, forgiveness, and kindness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to purify our hearts from malice, describing it as an infectious disease. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of avoiding negative emotions and actions that harm others. By purifying our hearts, we create an atmosphere of love, unity, and spiritual growth within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our hearts and protect us from the disease of malice.