Hadith #5374

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) states, "المُريبُ أبَداً عَليلٌ۔" This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims. To fully understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and their implications.

The word "المُريبُ" refers to a person who is suspicious or doubtful. This individual is constantly plagued by uncertainty and hesitation. They lack the clarity and conviction that is necessary for a steadfast and confident faith. The word "أبَداً" emphasizes the perpetual nature of this state, indicating that the suspicious person is always in a state of doubt. Finally, the word "عَليلٌ" means sick or afflicted. It highlights the detrimental impact of constant doubt on an individual's spiritual well-being.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides guidance and support for the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt. 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 cautions against excessive negative assumptions and suspicions. It reminds Muslims to refrain from jumping to conclusions about others, as it can lead to sin and harm within the community. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this sentiment by highlighting the perpetual sickness that accompanies a suspicious mindset.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before passing judgment or making assumptions. It encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding, rather than succumbing to baseless suspicions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the detrimental consequences of a suspicious mindset. When we constantly doubt others, we create divisions and sow seeds of discord within the Muslim community. Suspicion breeds mistrust and hinders the establishment of strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Moreover, a suspicious person is unable to fully benefit from the knowledge and wisdom that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide Muslims to this day. By embracing a mindset of trust and positivity, we open ourselves up to receiving and implementing the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the detrimental effects of constant doubt and suspicion. It urges us to cultivate trust, positivity, and a willingness to seek knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can foster unity, strengthen our faith, and benefit from the timeless wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to adopt a mindset of trust and protect us from the sickness of constant doubt.