Hadith #4981

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to beware of doing wrong to others, as it is a despicable quality. The Arabic word used in the hadith for "wrong" is (al-isā'ah) "الإساءَةَ", which refers to any action or behavior that causes harm, hurt, or injustice to others. It encompasses both physical and emotional harm inflicted upon someone.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the severity of this vile quality by stating that the one who engages in such behavior will be thrown into Hell because of their wrongs. This serves as a strong warning to Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive towards righteousness and justice in all aspects of their lives.

The exegesis of this hadith can be further illuminated by examining relevant Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, justice, and compassion. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 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 prohibition of insulting and ridiculing others, as it is considered a form of wrongdoing. It emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status or gender. By refraining from engaging in such behavior, Muslims can avoid falling into the category of wrongdoers and protect themselves from the consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah warns against the consequences of transgressing the limits set by Him. He says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words to people, which includes refraining from hurting or harming others through our speech. It serves as a reminder that our words have the power to either uplift or destroy, and it is our responsibility as Muslims to choose our words wisely and use them to spread kindness and positivity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. By cautioning against the act of doing wrong to others, he emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, justice, and respect. Engaging in such behavior not only tarnishes our own character but also has severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-awareness and self-control. We must constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that we do not engage in any form of wrongdoing towards others. Instead, we should strive to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt, who were known for their compassion, forgiveness, and mercy.

In conclusion, this hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to refrain from doing wrong to others. It highlights the importance of treating others with kindness, justice, and respect, as these are the qualities that lead to righteousness and salvation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these noble qualities and protect us from falling into the trap of wrongdoing.