Hadith #2225

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) advises Muslims to avoid three destructive traits: jealousy, dishonesty, and malice. These characteristics are not only detrimental to an individual's spiritual well-being but also bring disgrace to the religion of Islam.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words in the Arabic language.

The first trait mentioned is "al-hasad" which translates to jealousy. Jealousy is an intense feeling of envy or resentment towards someone else's possessions, qualities, or achievements. It is a negative emotion that can lead to harmful actions and thoughts. The Quran warns against jealousy in several verses, such as in Surah Al-Nisa (4:54), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty?

Jealousy can lead to animosity and division among Muslims, hindering the unity and brotherhood that Islam promotes.

The second trait mentioned is "al-kidhb" which means dishonesty or lying. Honesty is a fundamental principle in Islam, and lying is strictly prohibited. The Quran emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

Lying not only damages one's credibility but also undermines the trust within society. It is essential for Muslims to uphold the values of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their lives.

The third trait mentioned is "al-hiqd" which refers to malice or ill-will. Malice is the desire to harm or cause suffering to others. Islam promotes compassion, forgiveness, and kindness towards others. The Quran encourages Muslims to repel evil with good, as stated in Surah Fussilat (41:34), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better.

Holding grudges and harboring ill feelings towards others not only damages relationships but also hinders personal growth and spiritual development.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that these three traits not only disgrace the religion but also destroy the person who possesses them. Jealousy, dishonesty, and malice are destructive forces that eat away at an individual's character, tarnish their reputation, and distance them from the teachings of Islam. They lead to a life filled with negativity, unhappiness, and spiritual decay.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our hearts and striving towards positive character traits. Islam encourages us to cultivate qualities such as contentment, honesty, and goodwill towards others. By doing so, we not only uphold the principles of our faith but also contribute to a harmonious and compassionate society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in avoiding jealousy, dishonesty, and malice, and grant us the strength to embody the noble qualities taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.