Hadith #6646

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَداوَةُ الأقارِبِ أمَرٌّ مِنْ لَسْعِ العَقارِبِ

which translates to

Enmity of near ones is more unpleasant than the sting of the scorpions.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity and harm caused by conflicts and disputes within close relationships.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. (enmity) "عَداوَةُ" refers to deep-seated hostility and animosity, while (near ones) "الأقارِبِ" refers to relatives, family members, or those who are closely connected to us. (sting) "لَسْعِ" signifies the painful and harmful effect of the scorpion's venom, and (scorpions) "العَقارِبِ" represents a dangerous creature known for its venomous sting.

The Quran provides us with guidance and teachings that shed light on the significance of maintaining harmonious relationships with our near ones. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and resolving conflicts among believers, especially within the context of brotherhood in faith.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement draws our attention to the severity of conflicts within close relationships. It serves as a reminder that the pain caused by enmity among relatives is far more distressing than the physical pain of a scorpion's sting. This analogy emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll that disputes within families can have on individuals.

When conflicts arise among near ones, the consequences can be far-reaching. Family ties may be severed, trust may be broken, and the overall harmony within the family unit may be disrupted. Such conflicts can lead to long-lasting grudges, resentment, and a breakdown of communication. The negative impact on the individuals involved and the wider family unit is immense.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a call to action for Muslims to prioritize maintaining strong and healthy relationships with their relatives. It encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and words within our families. It reminds us to approach conflicts with wisdom, patience, and a desire for reconciliation, rather than allowing enmity to fester and cause irreparable damage.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of nurturing and preserving harmonious relationships with our near ones. It serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of enmity within families and the need to prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in maintaining strong bonds with our relatives and grant us the wisdom to resolve conflicts with love and compassion.