Hadith #2573

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,

مَنْ حَفَرَ لأخِيهِ المُؤْمِنِ بِئْراً أُوقِعَ فيها۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who digs a pit for his believing brother will fall into it [himself].

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (hafara) "حَفَرَ" means "to dig," (akhīhi) "أَخِيهِ" means "his brother," (al-mu'min) "ٱلْمُؤْمِنِ" means "the believer," and (bi'ran) "بِئْراً" means "a pit." It is important to note that the term "believing brother" refers to a fellow Muslim, emphasizing the unity and brotherhood among the believers.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And do not throw yourselves into destruction.

This verse warns against engaging in actions that lead to harm or destruction. Digging a pit for someone is an act of harm and betrayal, which ultimately leads to the downfall of the one who initiated it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:117), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

You did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who threw.

This verse highlights the concept of divine justice and retribution. When someone plots harm against another, they may think they have control over the situation, but ultimately, it is Allah who determines the consequences and brings justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder of the universal principle of cause and effect. When one engages in harmful actions towards their fellow believers, they are setting themselves up for their own downfall. The pit they dig metaphorically represents the consequences of their own actions, which they will inevitably fall into.

This Hadith also emphasizes the importance of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community. Muslims are commanded to support and protect one another, rather than plotting harm or betrayal. The act of digging a pit for a fellow believer goes against the spirit of brotherhood and unity that Islam promotes.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali possessed immense knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His words serve as a timeless reminder for Muslims to avoid engaging in harmful actions towards their fellow believers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of treating our fellow believers with kindness, respect, and sincerity. It warns against plotting harm or betrayal, as such actions will ultimately lead to our own downfall. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings of unity, justice, and the consequences of our actions. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the principles of brotherhood and avoid engaging in any actions that may harm our fellow believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt, and protect us from falling into the pits we dig for others.