Hadith #9389

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مِنَ اللِّئامِ تَكُونُ القَسْوَةُ۔

This is translated as,

Hard-heartedness is from the traits of the vile ones.

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

The word (qaswah) "قَسْوَةُ" in this Hadith refers to hardness of heart or harshness. It signifies a lack of compassion, empathy, and tenderness towards others. It is a trait that is associated with the vile and wicked individuals. This Hadith highlights the importance of having a soft and compassionate heart, which is a characteristic of the righteous.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of having a soft heart in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hijr (15:88), Allah says,

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, and his teachings encourage kindness, compassion, and love towards others. A hard-hearted person goes against the teachings of the Prophet and distances themselves from the mercy of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:16), Allah says,

Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth?

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a humble and submissive heart in the remembrance of Allah. A hard-hearted person is unable to fully submit to the truth and guidance of Allah, hindering their spiritual growth and connection with Him.

The consequences of having a hard heart are severe. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:74), Allah describes the Israelites who hardened their hearts and says,

Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder.

This hardening of the heart led to their disobedience and rejection of the truth, resulting in their downfall. Similarly, a hard-hearted person is more prone to arrogance, cruelty, and injustice, leading them away from the path of righteousness.

Conversely, a soft and compassionate heart brings numerous benefits. In Surah An-Nahl (16:125), Allah commands the believers,

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.

A soft-hearted person is more likely to convey the message of Islam with wisdom, kindness, and patience, attracting others towards the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of having a soft heart in this Hadith. He reminds us that hard-heartedness is a trait of the vile ones, and it is essential for Muslims to cultivate compassion, empathy, and tenderness in their hearts. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the guidance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the trait of hard-heartedness. It emphasizes the importance of having a soft and compassionate heart, which is in line with the teachings of the Quran. By cultivating empathy and tenderness, we can strive to be righteous individuals who reflect the mercy of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah guide us all to have soft hearts and protect us from the traits of the vile ones.