Hadith #5130

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Evil is the ugliest of gates and its doer is the worst of companions.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repulsiveness of evil and the detrimental effects it has on individuals and society as a whole.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" refers to evil or wickedness. It encompasses all actions, intentions, and behaviors that are morally wrong and harmful. The word (aqbah) "أقْبَحُ" means ugliest or most repulsive, emphasizing the extreme repugnance of evil. (al-abwab) "الأبْوابِ" translates to gates, symbolizing the various avenues through which evil manifests itself in our lives.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us against the perils of evil and its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, Allah says,

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of consuming what is lawful and pure, while also cautioning against following the path of Satan, who is the epitome of evil.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157, Allah describes the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), stating,

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the role of the Prophet (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding them from evil.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that evil is not only repulsive but also has far-reaching consequences. When one engages in evil actions, they become the worst of companions, as they distance themselves from the path of righteousness and align themselves with the forces of darkness. Evil deeds not only harm the individual committing them but also have a negative impact on society, spreading corruption and discord.

It is crucial for Muslims to strive towards goodness and righteousness, as prescribed by the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we protect ourselves from the repugnance of evil and ensure that we are the best of companions, contributing positively to our communities and striving for the betterment of humanity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the allure of evil. May we be among those who strive to be the best of companions and work towards establishing a just and harmonious society.