Hadith #1620

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Indeed the [only] concern of predators is attacking other animals.

This Hadith highlights the nature and behavior of predators, specifically focusing on their sole preoccupation with attacking and preying upon other creatures.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The term (siba') "سِّباع" refers to predators or carnivorous animals, while (hammaha) "هَمُّها" denotes their concern or preoccupation. Lastly, (al-'udwan) "العُدْوانُ" refers to aggression or hostility towards others.

This Hadith can be further elucidated by examining relevant Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nahl (16:8),

And He created the horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and as adornment. And He creates that which you do not know.

This verse highlights the diversity of Allah's creation, including animals that serve various purposes for human beings. However, it does not explicitly address the predatory nature mentioned in the Hadith.

Another verse that sheds light on this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:38), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There is not an animal that lives on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but they are communities like you.

This verse emphasizes the existence of different communities of creatures on Earth, including animals with diverse characteristics and behaviors. While it does not directly address the predatory nature, it highlights the vastness and diversity of Allah's creation.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, draws our attention to the single-minded focus of predators on attacking and preying upon other animals. This observation serves as a metaphor for human behavior and serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid adopting such predatory tendencies.

The Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own actions and intentions. It reminds us that our concerns should not solely revolve around harming or overpowering others. Instead, we should strive to embody the qualities of mercy, compassion, and justice that Islam emphasizes. By doing so, we can contribute to a harmonious society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a cautionary reminder against adopting a predatory mindset in our interactions with others. It urges us to avoid seeking personal gain at the expense of others, whether it be through deceit, manipulation, or exploitation. Instead, we should strive to build mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, respect, and cooperation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the single-minded focus of predators on attacking other animals. It serves as a metaphor for human behavior, reminding us to avoid adopting predatory tendencies in our interactions with others. By embodying the values of mercy, compassion, and justice, we can contribute to a harmonious society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and grant us the wisdom to navigate our interactions with others in a manner that is pleasing to Him.