Hadith #3302

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most wicked characteristic is spite.

In this Hadith, the word "spite" is translated from the Arabic word (hiqd) "حِقْدُ". Hiqd refers to a deep-seated feeling of resentment, envy, and ill-will towards others. It is a negative trait that stems from a person's heart and can manifest in various ways, such as holding grudges, seeking revenge, or wishing harm upon others.

To understand the gravity of this wicked characteristic, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against harboring ill feelings towards others in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah 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 and backbiting, which are closely related to spite. It emphasizes the repulsiveness of such behavior by comparing it to consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother. Just as we would find the idea of consuming such flesh abhorrent, we should also find the idea of harboring spiteful feelings towards others equally repugnant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah 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 highlights the importance of refraining from ridiculing, insulting, or using offensive nicknames for others. It teaches us to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or perceived shortcomings. By doing so, we can prevent the development of spiteful feelings and maintain harmonious relationships within society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of spite. He reminds us that spite is the most wicked characteristic because it goes against the principles of Islam, which promote love, compassion, and unity among Muslims. Spiteful behavior not only harms others but also tarnishes the character of the person harboring such feelings.

Spite can have severe consequences in both personal and societal contexts. On an individual level, it can lead to a constant state of negativity, bitterness, and unhappiness. It hinders personal growth and prevents one from attaining peace of mind. Moreover, it can poison relationships, causing divisions and conflicts within families, communities, and even nations.

From a societal perspective, the prevalence of spiteful behavior can lead to a toxic environment where trust and cooperation are eroded. It hampers progress and unity, hindering the development of a just and harmonious society. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to recognize the dangers of spite and strive to eradicate this wicked characteristic from their hearts and actions.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we should introspect and evaluate our own hearts. Are we harboring any feelings of spite towards others? If so, we must seek forgiveness from Allah and strive to replace those negative feelings with love, forgiveness, and empathy. By doing so, we can purify our hearts, strengthen our relationships, and contribute to the establishment of a more compassionate and united Muslim community.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the wickedness of spite and guide us towards righteousness. May He grant us the wisdom to recognize and overcome our negative traits, and may He shower His blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.