Hadith #3293

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

مَنْ ساءَ خُلْقُهُ عَذَّبَ نَفْسَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose character is bad torments his [own] soul.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (sa'a) "ساءَ" refers to having a bad or evil character. It encompasses traits such as dishonesty, arrogance, envy, and cruelty. The word (khuluquhu) "خُلْقُهُ" refers to one's disposition or nature, which is a reflection of their character. And finally, the word (adhdhaba) "عَذَّبَ" means to torment or punish.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:84),

And say to My servants to speak that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of good character and speech, as it is a means to ward off the influence of Satan and maintain harmony among people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the exemplary character of the Prophet (ﷺ), which serves as a role model for all Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating good character traits and striving to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that one who possesses a bad character ultimately inflicts harm upon themselves. When a person harbors negative traits and engages in immoral behavior, they not only harm others but also inflict damage upon their own soul.

For instance, a person with a dishonest character may deceive others for personal gain. However, this deceit will eventually erode their own sense of integrity and trustworthiness. Similarly, a person with an arrogant character may belittle others, but this arrogance will isolate them from genuine relationships and hinder their personal growth.

The consequences of a bad character extend beyond this world. In Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:14-15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

No! I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And no! I swear by the reproaching soul.

These verses highlight the accountability of our actions in the Hereafter. A person with a bad character will face the torment of their own soul on the Day of Resurrection, as their deeds will be a source of regret and anguish.

Conversely, a person who strives to cultivate good character traits will experience the opposite. They will bring peace and tranquility to their own soul and those around them. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse exemplifies the noble character of the believers and emphasizes the importance of responding to negativity with kindness and peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that one who possesses a bad character ultimately inflicts harm upon themselves. This beautiful message aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of good character and its impact on our own souls and the society at large. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to cultivate the best of characters and protect us from the torment of a bad character.