Hadith #5368

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

إذا ظَهَرَتِ الرِّيْبَةُ سائَتِ الظُّنُونُ۔

This can be translated as,

When suspicion appears, thoughts [about others] become negative.

In order to understand the meaning behind this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (zaharat) "ظَهَرَتِ" in the Hadith refers to the manifestation or emergence of something. In this context, it signifies the appearance of suspicion. Suspicion, or (ar-riybah) "الرِّيْبَةُ", is a state of doubt or uncertainty about the intentions or actions of others. It is important to note that suspicion is not inherently negative, as it can serve as a protective mechanism in certain situations. However, when suspicion becomes excessive or baseless, it can lead to negative consequences.

The word (sa'at) "سائَتِ" in the Hadith means to become evil or to turn bad. It signifies the negative transformation that occurs within an individual when suspicion takes hold. When suspicion becomes dominant, it taints one's thoughts and perceptions, leading to negative assumptions and judgments about others. This negativity can poison relationships, create divisions, and breed animosity among people.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against suspicion and emphasizes the importance of verifying information before passing judgment. 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 destructive nature of excessive suspicion and cautions against making baseless assumptions. It reminds us that suspicion can lead to sin and encourages us to refrain from backbiting and spying on others. The analogy of eating the flesh of one's brother when dead is used to illustrate the repulsiveness of such behavior. This serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims to be cautious of the negative consequences of suspicion and to strive for unity and harmony within the community.

Another Quranic verse that sheds light on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before jumping to conclusions. It warns against harming others based on incomplete or false information, which can occur when suspicion takes hold. By encouraging investigation and seeking the truth, Allah reminds us to be cautious of the negative impact our thoughts and actions can have on others.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the detrimental effects of excessive suspicion. It urges us to introspect and reflect upon our own thoughts and assumptions about others. By recognizing the potential harm caused by negative thoughts, we can strive to cultivate a more positive and compassionate mindset.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, provides us with invaluable guidance through this Hadith. He reminds us to be vigilant in monitoring our thoughts and to strive for a balanced approach when it comes to suspicion. By doing so, we can foster an environment of trust, understanding, and unity within the Muslim community, and beyond.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to overcome negative thoughts and suspicions, and may He guide us to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny.