Hadith #4192

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Rejoicing in vices is uglier than committing them.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (tabajjaj) "تَبَجُّجُ" in Arabic, used in this Hadith, refers to the act of rejoicing or taking pleasure in something. It implies finding delight, satisfaction, or amusement in an action or behavior. The word (ma'asi) "مَعَاصِي", translated as vices, encompasses all sinful acts that go against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes actions such as lying, backbiting, cheating, and indulging in forbidden desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repugnance of rejoicing in vices by stating that it is even uglier than committing the vices themselves. This statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that not only should they refrain from engaging in sinful acts, but they should also avoid finding pleasure or amusement in witnessing others committing those acts.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. It highlights the repulsive nature of such actions by comparing them to eating the flesh of one's own brother after he has passed away. Just as consuming such flesh is abhorrent, finding pleasure in these vices is equally detestable.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not cooperating in sin and aggression. It reminds Muslims to distance themselves from any form of participation or support for sinful acts. Rejoicing in vices falls under this category, as it involves finding pleasure in the wrongdoings of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and righteousness. It urges us to refrain from deriving enjoyment from the misfortunes or mistakes of others. Instead, we should strive to guide and support one another in righteousness and piety.

By rejoicing in vices, we not only display a lack of empathy and compassion but also risk becoming desensitized to the gravity of sinful acts. This can lead to a gradual erosion of our moral compass and an increase in our own inclination towards committing those vices.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that rejoicing in vices is even uglier than committing them. It serves as a call to Muslims to abstain from finding pleasure or amusement in sinful acts. Instead, we should strive to cultivate empathy, compassion, and righteousness, supporting one another in the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).