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اَلشَّرُّ يَكْبُو بِراكِبِهِ۔

Evil makes its rider fall.

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Evil makes its rider fall.

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Evil And The Wicked)

Personal Reflection

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الشَّرُّ يَكْبُو بِراكِبِهِ۔" This can be translated as

Evil makes its rider fall.

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

The word (sharr) "شَّرُّ" in this Hadith refers to evil or harm. It encompasses all forms of negativity, wickedness, and malevolence. It represents anything that goes against the teachings of Islam and leads to spiritual, moral, or physical harm. The word (yakbu) "يَكْبُو" means to fall or stumble, indicating the consequence of engaging in evil actions. And (rakibihi) "راكِبِهِ" refers to the rider, symbolizing the person who indulges in evil.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the consequences of evil actions. In Surah Yunus, verse 81, Allah says,

And when they had thrown, Moses said, 'What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allah will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.'

This verse highlights that evil actions will eventually be exposed and rendered worthless. They may appear enticing and powerful in the short term, but their true nature will be unveiled, leading to their downfall.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 10:

In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie.

This verse illustrates how engaging in evil deeds leads to a diseased heart and a punishment that is both painful and everlasting. It serves as a reminder that evil actions not only harm others but also inflict lasting damage upon the individual who commits them.

Reflecting on the Hadith,

Evil makes its rider fall,

we can understand that indulging in evil may provide temporary satisfaction or worldly gains, but it ultimately leads to one's downfall. Just as a rider who embarks on a treacherous path is bound to stumble and fall, those who persist in evil actions will face the consequences of their choices.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of avoiding evil and striving for righteousness. He urges us to be cautious of the path we choose and to recognize that evil actions have dire consequences. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and striving for goodness, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of evil and ensure our spiritual well-being.

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

Evil makes its rider fall,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid engaging in evil actions. It highlights the inevitable consequences of indulging in wickedness and emphasizes the importance of seeking righteousness. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to lead a life free from evil and its detrimental effects. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the snares of evil.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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