Hadith #10743

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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:

مَنْ طَلَبَ لِلنّاسِ الغَوائِلَ لَمْ يَأْمَنِ البَلاءَ۔

This Hadith is a impactful Hadith that highlights the consequences of harboring ill intentions towards others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (talaba) "طَلَبَ" in this Hadith means to seek or desire. Here, it refers to someone actively seeking or wishing for (al-ghawail) "الغَوائِلَ", which can be translated as calamities, misfortunes, or afflictions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us that those who harbor ill intentions towards others, desiring harm or misfortune for them, will themselves not remain safe from affliction.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of good intentions and warns against harboring ill will towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195):

And do not throw yourselves into destruction.

This verse reminds us to be cautious of our intentions and actions, as they can lead to our own downfall. When we seek harm for others, we are essentially throwing ourselves into destruction, inviting calamities upon ourselves.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. In Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to choose our words wisely and speak in a manner that promotes goodness and harmony. When we seek ill for others, we are falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to create discord and enmity among people.

The consequences of harboring ill intentions are not limited to this world alone. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the gravity of negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. It compares such actions to consuming the flesh of one's brother, emphasizing the repulsiveness and sinfulness of such behavior. When we harbor ill intentions towards others, we are essentially indulging in these destructive actions, which are condemned by Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to purify their hearts and intentions. It teaches us to strive for unity, compassion, and goodwill towards others. When we genuinely wish well for others, we create an environment of love, peace, and harmony. Conversely, harboring ill intentions not only harms others but also invites afflictions upon ourselves. It is essential for Muslims to reflect upon their intentions and strive to align them with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to purify our hearts and intentions, and protect us from harboring ill will towards others. May He grant us the wisdom to seek goodness for all and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.