Hadith #5084

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الشَّرُّ نَدامَةٌ۔" which translates to

Evil is [a cause of] regret.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sharr) "شَّرُّ" refers to evil, harm, or anything that is morally wrong. It encompasses actions, intentions, and consequences that are detrimental to oneself and others. The word (nadama) "نَدامَةٌ" means regret, remorse, or the feeling of sorrow and repentance that arises after committing a wrong.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the consequences of evil actions and the importance of avoiding them. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267, Allah says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the importance of spending from what is good and pure, rather than from what is defective or impure. It warns against engaging in actions that may lead to regret and remorse. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 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 reminds us to refrain from negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, as they are considered sinful. It draws a vivid analogy to eating the flesh of a dead brother, highlighting the repugnance of such actions. It emphasizes the need to fear Allah and seek His forgiveness, as He is the Most Merciful.

Now, let us reflect on the connotation of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Evil is [a cause of] regret.

This statement serves as a reminder that engaging in evil actions will inevitably lead to remorse and sorrow. It highlights the importance of striving to avoid evil in all aspects of our lives, be it in our thoughts, words, or deeds.

When we commit evil acts, we harm ourselves and others, both in this world and in the hereafter. We tarnish our souls and distance ourselves from the path of righteousness. The regret that follows such actions is a natural consequence of our innate moral compass, which recognizes the wrongness of our deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of evil. He encourages us to reflect on our actions and make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can avoid the regret and remorse that accompanies evil deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Evil is [a cause of] regret,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive for righteousness and avoid engaging in evil actions. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the consequences of evil and the importance of seeking Allah's forgiveness. Let us reflect on this profound wisdom and make a conscious effort to lead a life free from regret and filled with goodness. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the temptations of evil.