Hadith #5124

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَعُدَّنَّ خَيْراً ما أدْرَكْتَ بِهِ شَرّاً۔

This Hadith is a profound reminder for all Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their actions. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (la ta'uddan) "لا تعدن" in the Hadith is derived from the root word (ad) "عد", which means to count or consider. It signifies the act of evaluating or assessing something. The word (khayran) "خيراً" means good or beneficial, while (sharran) "شراً" means evil or harmful. Therefore, the Hadith advises us not to consider something as good if it ultimately leads to evil.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and evil, and making choices that lead to righteousness and well-being.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:42)

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse highlights the importance of discernment and not blurring the lines between good and evil. It reminds us to uphold the truth and not to compromise it for personal gain or convenience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states, (Quran 5:2)

Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing actions that promote righteousness and piety, while avoiding any form of sin or aggression. It serves as a reminder that our actions should always align with what is good and beneficial, rather than leading us towards evil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. It reminds us that even if something appears to be good in the short term, if it ultimately leads to harm or evil, it cannot be considered truly good. For example, indulging in forbidden pleasures may bring temporary satisfaction, but it ultimately leads to spiritual and moral degradation.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of foresight and wisdom in decision-making. It encourages Muslims to think beyond immediate gratification and consider the long-term consequences of their choices. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the traps of Shaytan and make choices that are truly beneficial for our worldly and spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be discerning in their actions and choices. It urges us to evaluate the long-term consequences of our decisions and not to consider something as good if it ultimately leads to evil. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive for righteousness and avoid falling into the traps of Shaytan. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make choices that lead to goodness and protect us from the paths of evil.