Hadith #6678

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

مَنْ زَرَعَ العُدْوانَ حَصَدَ الخُسْرانَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who sows enmity [and aggression] reaps loss.

Let us now delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement. The word (zara'a) "زَرَعَ" means to sow or plant, while (al-'udwan) "العُدْوانَ" refers to enmity or aggression. The term (hasada) "حَصَدَ" means to reap or harvest, and (al-khusrān) "الخُسْرانَ" signifies loss or failure.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of peace, harmony, and avoiding aggression in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah says,

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse highlights the principle of self-defense while cautioning against exceeding the limits of justice and fairness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah commands,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, even if they hold different beliefs or opinions.

Based on these Quranic teachings, we can understand Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith as a warning against sowing seeds of enmity and aggression. Just as a farmer who plants harmful seeds will eventually reap a harvest of loss, those who engage in acts of aggression and hostility will ultimately face negative consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. He understood the destructive nature of enmity and aggression, both on an individual and societal level. When individuals sow the seeds of enmity, they create divisions, animosity, and conflicts that lead to loss and destruction. These negative consequences can manifest in various forms, such as broken relationships, societal unrest, and even wars.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for peace, unity, and reconciliation. It encourages us to adopt a mindset of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding, even in the face of adversity. By doing so, we can prevent the escalation of conflicts and work towards building a harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a valuable lesson about the consequences of sowing enmity and aggression. It reminds us to follow the Quranic teachings of peace, justice, and kindness towards others. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of discord and strife, and instead cultivate an environment of love, harmony, and prosperity. May Allah guide us all to embody these noble qualities and protect us from the destructive consequences of enmity and aggression.