Hadith #2580

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الحقد داء دوي ومرض موبي

which translates to

Malice is a painful ailment and an infectious disease.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of harboring malice and ill-will towards others. To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (al-hiqd) "الحقد" refers to malice or deep-seated resentment towards someone. It is a negative emotion that arises from envy, jealousy, or hatred. This feeling of malice is not only harmful to the person holding it, but it also spreads like a disease, infecting others around them. The word (daa) "داء" means ailment or affliction, indicating that malice is a spiritual sickness that afflicts the heart and soul. And the word (dawi) "دوي" means painful, implying that malice causes immense pain and suffering to the one who harbors it.

To further understand the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the destructive consequences of malice 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 highlights the prohibition of negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, all of which stem from malice. Allah compares the act of backbiting to consuming the flesh of one's own brother, emphasizing the repugnance of such behavior.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was consumed by malice and arrogance due to his wealth and power. His ill-will towards Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his people led to his downfall and punishment from Allah. This serves as a cautionary tale, warning us against the destructive consequences of harboring malice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that malice not only harms the individual who carries it, but it also spreads like a contagious disease, infecting others and causing pain and suffering. When someone harbors malice, it affects their thoughts, actions, and relationships. It clouds their judgment and prevents them from seeing the good in others. It creates a toxic environment and destroys the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

Moreover, malice hinders personal growth and spiritual development. It prevents individuals from attaining inner peace and tranquility. By holding onto grudges and ill-will, one becomes trapped in a cycle of negativity, preventing them from moving forward and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. It is only through letting go of malice and embracing forgiveness that one can experience true liberation and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid harboring malice and ill-will towards others. It highlights the destructive nature of this negative emotion and warns of its contagiousness. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that condemn malice and its consequences, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating love, compassion, and forgiveness in our hearts. Let us strive to purify our souls from the ailment of malice and embrace the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome malice and spread love and harmony among our fellow Muslims.