Hadith #2578

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحِقْدُ مَثارُ الغَضَبِ۔" This can be translated as,

Malice is the motive of rage.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hikd) "حِقْدُ" refers to malice or deep-seated resentment. It is a negative emotion that arises when one holds a grudge against someone and wishes harm upon them. The word (mathar) "مَثَارُ" means the cause or motive, while (al-ghadab) "الغَضَبِ" refers to rage or anger.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against harboring malice and encourages forgiveness and reconciliation. In Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 134, Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of controlling anger and forgiving others, as it is an act beloved to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the destructive nature of malice. When one holds onto grudges and nurtures feelings of resentment, it becomes the driving force behind their anger. This anger can lead to harmful actions and the deterioration of relationships.

Let us reflect on the consequences of malice and rage. When we allow malice to fester within us, it consumes our hearts and clouds our judgment. It blinds us to the truth and prevents us from seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. Our anger becomes uncontrollable, leading us to say and do things that we may later regret.

In Surah Al-Hashr, Ayah 22, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the consequences of uncontrolled anger:

They are like the example of Satan when he says to man, 'Disbelieve.' But when he disbelieves, he says, 'Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse illustrates how Satan uses anger to lead people astray from the path of righteousness. Similarly, when we allow rage to control us, we distance ourselves from Allah and His guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for us to introspect and purify our hearts from malice. We should strive to forgive and let go of grudges, seeking reconciliation and peace. By doing so, we not only protect our own spiritual well-being but also contribute to the harmony and unity of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that malice is the root cause of rage. It warns us against nurturing feelings of resentment and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. By controlling our anger and purifying our hearts from malice, we can attain spiritual growth and contribute to a more harmonious society. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to overcome malice and anger.