Hadith #2585

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The weapon of evil is spite.

This concise statement holds deep wisdom and provides valuable guidance for Muslims in dealing with the challenges of life.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (silah) "سِلاحُ" means weapon, which signifies a tool or means used to achieve a particular purpose. (ash-sharr) "الشَّرِّ" refers to evil or harm, indicating actions or intentions that are detrimental to oneself or others. Lastly, (al-hiqd) "الحِقْدُ" translates to spite, which refers to a deep-seated resentment or ill-will towards someone.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against harboring ill feelings towards others 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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, which are manifestations of spite. Allah compares such behavior to consuming the flesh of one's own brother, highlighting its repulsiveness. This analogy serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of harboring ill feelings towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages Muslims to focus on seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling their responsibilities in this world. It warns against desiring corruption and evil, which includes harboring spite towards others. Instead, Allah reminds us to do good, just as He has done good to us.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can derive profound lessons. Spite is a destructive weapon that harms not only the target but also the one who wields it. It breeds negativity, destroys relationships, and hinders personal growth. By holding onto spite, we distance ourselves from the teachings of Islam, which emphasize forgiveness, compassion, and unity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words serve as a guide for Muslims in all aspects of life. This Hadith reminds us to let go of spite and replace it with forgiveness, empathy, and goodwill. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the weapon of evil and cultivate an environment of peace and harmony.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody the teachings of Islam and protect us from the destructive weapon of spite. May we strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and follow the path of righteousness.