Hadith #4769

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

عِنْدَ تَصْحيحِ الضَّمائِرِ يَبْدُو غِلُّ السَّرائِرِ۔

This can be translated as,

When the consciences are being reformed, the hidden rancour becomes evident.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (tasheeh) "تَصْحيحِ" means "reformation" or "correction." It refers to the process of rectifying and purifying one's conscience and inner self. The word (damair) "ضَّمائِرِ" means "consciences" or "inner thoughts." It refers to the innermost feelings, thoughts, and intentions that reside within a person. Finally, the word (ghill) "غِلُّ" means "rancour" or "ill-will." It signifies the hidden animosity or resentment that may exist within a person's heart.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding one another. It teaches us that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in superficial differences such as race or tribe. When we strive to reform our consciences and purify our inner selves, we become more aware of our own shortcomings and biases. This self-reflection allows us to recognize the hidden rancour that may exist within us towards others based on superficial differences.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding ridicule, insults, and offensive nicknames towards others. It reminds us that such behavior is not befitting of a believer and is considered disobedience to Allah. When we engage in the process of reforming our consciences, we become more conscious of our words and actions towards others. We become aware of the hidden rancour that may have been present in our hearts, leading us to engage in disrespectful behavior towards others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and self-reflection. It teaches us that as we purify our consciences and rectify our inner selves, the hidden rancour within us becomes evident. This awareness allows us to address and overcome our biases, prejudices, and ill-will towards others. It encourages us to treat all individuals with respect, kindness, and fairness, regardless of their background or differences.

By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive towards becoming individuals who embody the true spirit of Islam. We must continuously work on reforming our consciences, purifying our inner selves, and eradicating any hidden rancour that may exist within us. This process of self-improvement not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the unity and harmony of the Muslim community as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to reform our consciences, purify our inner selves, and overcome any hidden rancour that may reside within us. May He guide us to treat all individuals with respect, kindness, and fairness, and may He unite the hearts of Muslims in love and brotherhood.