Hadith #2596

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الحقود معذب النفس متضاعف الهم

which translates to,

The spiteful one has a tormented soul is doubly distressed.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences and inner turmoil that arise from harboring feelings of spite and ill-will towards others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (al-haqood) "الحقود" refers to someone who holds grudges, bears animosity, or is filled with spite towards others. This person is not only affected externally by their negative emotions but also experiences torment within their own soul. The word (mu'adhdhib) "معذب" signifies the punishment or torment that one inflicts upon themselves due to their spiteful nature. This self-inflicted torment is further intensified by the phrase (mutadaa'if al-ham) "متضاعف الهم", which means doubly distressed. It implies that the spiteful individual not only suffers from the consequences of their own negative emotions but also experiences an increased burden of anxiety and distress.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the destructive nature of harboring ill-will and the importance of cultivating positive emotions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 need to refrain from negative assumptions, backbiting, and spying on others, as these actions lead to the deterioration of relationships and the spread of ill-will.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Repel evil with that which is better. Then, indeed, the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to negativity with kindness and forgiveness. By doing so, we can transform enmity into friendship and alleviate the distress caused by harboring ill-will.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own emotions and attitudes towards others. It warns against the detrimental effects of holding grudges and seeking revenge, as these actions not only harm others but also inflict torment upon oneself. The spiteful person is burdened with the weight of their negative emotions, leading to increased distress and anxiety.

By internalizing the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims are encouraged to cultivate positive emotions such as forgiveness, kindness, and empathy. These qualities not only bring peace and harmony to our relationships but also contribute to our own inner tranquility and well-being. Let us strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and embody the teachings of the Quran in our daily lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us towards the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive consequences of harboring ill-will.