Hadith #4221

Bismillah, All praise is due to Allah, the Most High, the Most Merciful, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

في كُلِّ سَيِّئَة عُقُوبَةٌ۔

which translates to

In every evil act there is retribution.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the divine justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions.

The word (sayyiah) "سَيِّئَة" in this Hadith refers to an evil or sinful act. It encompasses all actions that go against the teachings of Islam and lead to harm, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is important for Muslims to understand that every evil act has consequences, and these consequences are not arbitrary but are a result of the divine justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the concept of retribution and the ultimate accountability for our actions. It reminds us that the true consequences of our deeds will be realized on the Day of Resurrection. Just as every soul will taste death, every evil act will have its retribution. This serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and to avoid engaging in sinful acts.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am, verse 160:

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.

This verse highlights the divine justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the principle of retribution. It assures us that every good deed will be multiplied in reward, while every evil deed will be recompensed accordingly. This serves as a reminder to Muslims that their actions have consequences and that they will be held accountable for their deeds.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that every evil act, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, carries consequences. These consequences may manifest in various ways, such as the loss of blessings, the deterioration of relationships, or the spiritual distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is essential for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for righteousness in order to avoid the retribution that comes with sinful acts.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder that the justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is absolute and that no one will be wronged. It is a call to Muslims to seek forgiveness for their sins, repent sincerely, and strive to rectify their actions. By doing so, they can hope for the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoid the retribution that awaits those who persist in evil deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

في كُلِّ سَيِّئَة عُقُوبَةٌ۔

reminds Muslims of the consequences of their actions and the divine justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a motivation to strive for righteousness and to avoid engaging in sinful acts. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness for their sins, and rectify their behavior in order to avoid the retribution that comes with evil deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the consequences of our sins.