Hadith #8176

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الغِلُّ داءُ القُلُوبِ" which translates to

Rancour is the malady of hearts.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of harboring ill feelings and grudges in one's heart.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. "الغِلُّ" refers to rancor, animosity, or bitterness that one holds towards another. It is an intense feeling of resentment that can consume a person's heart and poison their relationships. "داءُ" means disease or malady, indicating that rancor is not only harmful to the individual but also to the overall well-being of their heart and soul. And "القُلُوبِ" refers to the hearts, symbolizing the core of our emotions, beliefs, and spirituality.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining good character, forgiveness, and the eradication of rancor from our hearts. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse encourages Muslims to reconcile and resolve conflicts among themselves, urging them to let go of any rancor or animosity they may hold towards one another.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah states,

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 virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By pardoning others and letting go of rancor, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and earn the love and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the detrimental effects of rancor on the individual and society. When we hold onto grudges, it consumes our thoughts, affects our mental well-being, and hinders our ability to form meaningful relationships. Rancor creates a toxic environment, breeding hatred and division among people, and preventing the growth of love, unity, and harmony within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own hearts and strive to eliminate any traces of rancor. By doing so, we can foster an atmosphere of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding, which are essential for the progress and unity of the ummah.

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

Rancour is the malady of hearts

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to recognize the destructive nature of harboring ill feelings and grudges. It urges us to follow the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize forgiveness, reconciliation, and the eradication of rancor. By purifying our hearts from rancor, we can create an environment of love, unity, and harmony within the Muslim community, ultimately leading to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to let go of rancor and cultivate hearts filled with love and forgiveness.