Hadith #5090

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 (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الشَّرُّ يُزْري ويُرْدي۔" This can be translated into English as,

Evil degrades and strikes down.

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

The word (evil) "الشَّرُّ" refers to anything that is morally wrong, harmful, or destructive. It encompasses actions, intentions, and beliefs that go against the teachings of Islam. Evil can manifest in various forms, such as injustice, oppression, dishonesty, and immorality. It is important for Muslims to recognize and avoid evil in all its manifestations.

The word (degrades) "يُزْري" implies that evil has a degrading effect on individuals and societies. When people engage in evil deeds, it tarnishes their character, diminishes their moral standing, and distances them from the path of righteousness. Evil deeds erode the values of compassion, justice, and integrity, leading to a decline in the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of evil in the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 25, Allah says,

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes that evil actions have repercussions that extend beyond the wrongdoers themselves. The negative consequences of evil can affect the entire society, leading to trials and hardships for all.

The word (strikes down) "يُرْدي" indicates that evil has the power to bring about destruction and downfall. Just as a strong wind can uproot a tree, evil can uproot individuals, families, and even nations. Evil actions have a way of spreading like a contagious disease, corrupting hearts and minds, and causing chaos and instability. It is crucial for Muslims to be vigilant and guard against the influence of evil, as it can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.

In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 155, Allah says,

And [We cursed them] for their breaking of the covenant and their disbelief in the signs of Allah and their killing of the prophets without right and their saying, 'Our hearts are wrapped.' Rather, Allah has sealed them because of their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.

This verse highlights the consequences of evil actions committed by the disbelievers. Their rejection of the signs of Allah, their violation of covenants, and their killing of the prophets led to their hearts being sealed and their disbelief becoming entrenched. This serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of evil and the importance of avoiding it at all costs.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that evil not only degrades individuals and societies but also has the potential to strike them down. It is incumbent upon Muslims to strive for goodness, righteousness, and justice in all aspects of their lives. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and avoiding evil, we can protect ourselves and our communities from its detrimental effects. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the harms of evil.