Hadith #2584

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "سَبَبُ الفِتَنِ الحِقْدُ۔" This can be translated as,

The cause of discord is malice.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the teachings of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (fitan) "فِتَنِ" refers to trials, tribulations, or discord. It encompasses any form of conflict, division, or disturbance within the Muslim community. (al-hiqd) "الحِقْدُ" refers to malice, hatred, or ill-will towards others. It signifies a deep-seated resentment that fuels animosity and enmity.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the destructive consequences of harboring malice and ill-will towards others. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, which are all manifestations of malice. Allah compares such behavior to eating the flesh of one's brother, emphasizing its repugnance. This analogy serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of harboring ill-will towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah instructs us,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood of the believers, urging us to reconcile and resolve conflicts. Malice, on the other hand, creates divisions and hinders the establishment of peace and harmony within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the root cause of discord within the ummah - malice. When individuals hold grudges, nurture hatred, or seek revenge, it leads to a breakdown in relationships, fosters animosity, and fuels conflicts. Malice blinds individuals to the truth, clouds their judgment, and prevents them from seeking reconciliation and understanding.

The consequences of malice are far-reaching. It not only affects individuals but also impacts the wider Muslim community. Discord weakens the ummah, undermines its unity, and hampers its progress. It diverts our attention from the common goals of spreading peace, justice, and righteousness. Moreover, malice contradicts the teachings of Islam, which emphasize forgiveness, compassion, and love for one another.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our hearts from malice and cultivating a spirit of forgiveness, empathy, and goodwill towards others. We should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his wisdom, knowledge, and his ability to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that malice is the root cause of discord within the ummah. It is essential for Muslims to recognize the destructive nature of harboring ill-will towards others and to strive towards purifying their hearts from such negative emotions. By doing so, we can foster unity, strengthen our community, and work towards the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in purifying our hearts and grant us the wisdom to avoid discord and promote harmony among the believers.