Hadith #8178

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْغِلُّ يُحْبِطُ الحَسَنَاتِ" which translates to

Rancour nullifies good deeds.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of harboring ill feelings and grudges towards others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first explore the meaning of the key words. "الْغِلُّ" refers to rancor or animosity, which is a deep-seated feeling of bitterness or resentment towards someone. "يُحْبِطُ" means to nullify or invalidate, and "الحَسَنَاتِ" refers to good deeds or acts of righteousness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others and avoiding enmity and hatred. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the unity and brotherhood that should exist among Muslims, and the need to resolve conflicts and disputes in a just and peaceful manner.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah commands the believers,

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 means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the negative consequences of holding onto grudges and animosity. When we harbor rancor towards others, it consumes our hearts and clouds our judgment. It leads us to act unjustly and unfairly, causing harm to ourselves and others. Moreover, it hinders our ability to perform good deeds sincerely and with a pure heart.

For example, if we hold a grudge against someone and then perform acts of charity or kindness, our intentions may be tainted by our negative feelings. Our actions may not be purely for the sake of Allah, but rather to prove a point or seek validation. As a result, our good deeds lose their value and may even be rejected by Allah.

Additionally, harboring rancor creates a toxic environment within our communities. It breeds division, mistrust, and hostility among Muslims, weakening the unity and strength of the Ummah. It prevents us from coming together to work towards common goals and to support one another in times of need.

Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of purifying our hearts from rancor and animosity. We should strive to forgive others, let go of grudges, and seek reconciliation. By doing so, we not only preserve our own good deeds but also contribute to the harmony and well-being of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of harboring rancor. It urges us to let go of ill feelings towards others and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. By doing so, we can maintain the purity of our good deeds and contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim Ummah. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to purify our hearts from all forms of animosity.