Hadith #10659

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most revolting act of a powerful person is revenge.

This impactful Hadith highlights the negative consequences of seeking revenge, particularly when it is carried out by someone in a position of power. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it contains.

The word (aqbah) "أقْبَحُ" in Arabic refers to something that is extremely ugly, vile, or repugnant. It signifies an action that is morally reprehensible and detestable. The word (af'al) "أفْعَالِ" means actions or deeds. (almuqtadir) "الْمُقْتَدِرِ" refers to a person who possesses power, authority, or influence. Lastly, (al-intiqam) "الِانْتِقَامُ" translates to revenge, which is the act of inflicting harm or punishment on someone in response to a perceived wrongdoing.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, mercy, and the avoidance of revenge. In Surah Al-Nur (24:22), Allah says,

And let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages Muslims to forgive and overlook the faults of others, highlighting the virtues of mercy and compassion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:54), Allah says,

And those who do not respond to their Lord - for them is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.

This verse warns against the consequences of not responding to Allah's call for forgiveness and mercy. Seeking revenge goes against the teachings of Islam and can lead one to a wretched destination.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the repugnance of revenge, particularly when it is carried out by those in positions of power. When a powerful individual seeks revenge, their actions can have far-reaching consequences. It can perpetuate a cycle of violence, causing harm and suffering to innocent individuals. Moreover, revenge often blinds a person to the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness, hindering the growth of individuals and communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the destructive nature of revenge. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, even in the face of injustice. By discouraging revenge, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sought to promote harmony, peace, and the preservation of human dignity.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to embody its teachings in our lives. We should prioritize forgiveness over revenge, seeking reconciliation and understanding instead of perpetuating animosity. By doing so, we can contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and just society, in line with the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of forgiveness and mercy, and protect us from the destructive nature of revenge.