Hadith #5136

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to stay away from evil and to be cautious of those who perpetrate it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (ijtaniboo) "إجْتَنِبُوا" which means "keep away" or "avoid," (ash-sharr) "الشَّرَّ" which means "evil," and (fa'iluhu) "فاعِلُهُ" which means "its doer." This Hadith emphasizes the importance of distancing ourselves from evil actions and individuals who engage in them. It highlights the fact that the doer of evil is even more harmful than the evil itself.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil and its consequences. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to actively engage in good deeds and to distance themselves from those who are ignorant and engage in evil actions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah commands,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of joining forces with others in acts of righteousness and avoiding any form of cooperation in sinful and aggressive behavior. It further emphasizes the need to distance ourselves from those who engage in evil.

The consequences of associating with individuals who perpetrate evil can be detrimental to our own spiritual well-being. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25),

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse reminds us that when we associate ourselves with those who commit evil, we may also be subject to the consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that evil actions have far-reaching consequences. By distancing ourselves from evil and its doers, we protect ourselves from the negative effects of their actions. Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to actively promote goodness and righteousness in our communities. We should strive to be a positive influence and inspire others to follow the path of righteousness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. His words echo the teachings of the Quran and serve as a guide for Muslims to navigate the challenges of life. By adhering to his advice, we can create a society that is free from evil and filled with goodness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of avoiding evil and staying away from those who perpetrate it. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of distancing ourselves from evil actions and individuals. By following this guidance, we can protect ourselves from the negative consequences of evil and actively promote goodness in our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to adhere to this advice and lead a life of righteousness.