Hadith #6163

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

One of the [great] tribulations is [having] evil inner thoughts.

This Hadith highlights the significance of the inner thoughts and the potential harm they can cause.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (balyyah) "بَليَّةِ" refers to a trial, affliction, or tribulation. It signifies a test or a challenge that a person may face in their life. The word (tawiyah) "طَوِيَّةِ" refers to inner thoughts, whispers, or inclinations that arise within a person's mind or heart. These thoughts can be positive or negative, and they have the power to influence our actions and behaviors.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of evil inner thoughts in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah says,

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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and evil inner thoughts. It reminds us that assuming the worst about others can lead to sin and harm. Instead, we should strive to have positive thoughts and give others the benefit of the doubt.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), where Allah says,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) when he unintentionally killed a man. It highlights the importance of being cautious and aware of our inner thoughts and inclinations. Prophet Musa recognized that his action was influenced by Satan's whispers and immediately sought forgiveness from Allah. This serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of our thoughts and seek refuge in Allah from the whispers of Shaytan.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that evil inner thoughts can be a significant trial or tribulation. These thoughts can lead us astray and cause harm to ourselves and others. They can plant seeds of doubt, suspicion, and negativity in our hearts, which can ultimately manifest in our actions.

It is essential for Muslims to be aware of their inner thoughts and strive to purify them. We should constantly seek refuge in Allah from the whispers of Shaytan and make a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling into sin and maintain a pure and righteous state of mind.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their inner thoughts and inclinations. It highlights the potential harm that evil inner thoughts can cause and emphasizes the importance of purifying our minds and seeking refuge in Allah. By being mindful of our thoughts and striving for positive thinking, we can protect ourselves from the tribulations that arise from evil inner thoughts. May Allah guide us all and grant us the strength to overcome these trials.