Hadith #5138

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The habit of the wicked is harboring enmity for the righteous.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a fundamental characteristic of the wicked, which is their inherent animosity towards the righteous individuals.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (aadatu) "عادَةُ" refers to a habit or a customary behavior that is ingrained in an individual's nature. It represents a consistent pattern of behavior that becomes a part of one's character. The word (al-ashraar) "الأشْرارِ" refers to the wicked or the evildoers, those who persistently engage in sinful actions and have deviated from the path of righteousness. On the other hand, (al-akhyaar) "الأخْيارِ" refers to the righteous individuals who consistently strive to adhere to the teachings of Islam and engage in virtuous deeds.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 2:11-12)

And when it is said to them, 'Do not cause corruption on the earth,' they say, 'We are but reformers.' Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not.

This ayah highlights the deceptive nature of the wicked, who falsely claim to be reformers while actually causing corruption. Their enmity towards the righteous stems from their inability to comprehend the true essence of righteousness and their own distorted perception of reality.

Another verse that sheds light on the enmity of the wicked towards the righteous is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 58:22)

You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred.

This verse emphasizes that true believers cannot harbor affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, regardless of their familial ties. The enmity of the wicked towards the righteous is a natural consequence of their opposition to the divine guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be aware of the enmity that the wicked may hold towards them due to their commitment to righteousness. It also highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity and not being swayed by the animosity of the wicked. The wicked may attempt to harm or undermine the righteous, but their actions are ultimately futile in the face of Allah's protection and support.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and ensure that they are aligning themselves with the path of righteousness. It serves as a motivation to consistently strive for good deeds and to distance oneself from wickedness. By embodying the qualities of the righteous, Muslims can become beacons of light in a world that is often plagued by darkness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent enmity of the wicked towards the righteous. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their commitment to righteousness, despite the opposition they may face. By seeking guidance from the Quran and reflecting upon the consequences of the wicked's actions, Muslims can strive to emulate the qualities of the righteous and become a source of inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to uphold righteousness and protect us from the enmity of the wicked.