Hadith #6183

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أقْبَحُ الشِّيَمِ العُدْوانُ۔" This can be translated as,

The most loathsome of traits is aggression.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repugnance of aggression, emphasizing the importance of avoiding this negative characteristic.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (shiyam) "شِّيَمِ" refers to traits or characteristics that define a person's behavior. It encompasses both positive and negative qualities. The word (udwan) "عُدْوانُ" refers to aggression, oppression, or transgression against others. It signifies an act of encroaching upon the rights and boundaries of others, causing harm and injustice.

The Quran provides numerous verses that condemn aggression and emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness, even if it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones. It warns against distorting the truth or refusing to testify, as Allah is fully aware of our actions. This verse serves as a reminder to Muslims to avoid aggression and uphold justice in all aspects of their lives.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or gender. It prohibits ridiculing, insulting, or using offensive nicknames to address others. By doing so, Allah reminds us of the negative consequences of aggression and the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the gravity of aggression as a trait that is detested by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Aggression not only harms the victim but also tarnishes the character of the aggressor. It leads to a cycle of violence and discord, disrupting the peace and harmony that Islam seeks to establish.

By emphasizing the repugnance of aggression, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to adopt a peaceful and just approach in their interactions with others. He sets an example of a leader who prioritized justice, compassion, and empathy. His profound knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam enabled him to guide the Muslim community towards righteousness and unity.

As Muslims, we should reflect on this Hadith and strive to eradicate aggression from our lives. We should cultivate a culture of peace, justice, and respect, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can contribute to a society that upholds the values of Islam and fosters harmonious relationships among its members. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying the teachings of Islam and protecting ourselves from the loathsome trait of aggression.