Hadith #5103

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The doer of evil is worse than the evil [itself].

This concise statement carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and their consequences.

Let us first delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (fa'il) "فاعِلُ" refers to the doer or the one who performs an action. It emphasizes the active role of an individual in committing an act. The word (ash-sharr) "الشَّرِّ" means evil or harm. It encompasses all forms of wrongdoing, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Lastly, the word (minhu) "مِنْهُ" translates to "than it" or "from it," indicating that the doer of evil is worse than the evil itself.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 217:

And they ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, 'Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing.' And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally.

This verse highlights the concept that certain actions, such as preventing access to the sacred mosque and causing fitnah (discord) among people, are considered greater evils than even fighting in the sacred month. It emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences and impact of our actions. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the one who actively engages in evil is worse than the evil itself.

To further illustrate this point, let us reflect upon another Quranic verse. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 204, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse highlights the hypocrisy of those whose words may seem pleasing, but their actions contradict their true intentions. Their deceptive behavior and opposition to the truth make them worse than the evil they may outwardly condemn.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only abstain from evil but also to actively strive against it. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and accountability for our actions. The Hadith teaches us that the one who consciously engages in evil, despite knowing its consequences, is even worse than the evil itself. This understanding compels us to be mindful of our intentions and actions, ensuring that we do not become the perpetrators of harm and injustice.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the immense responsibility and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the consequences of actions and his ability to articulate profound wisdom in concise statements is a testament to his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate his example and seek guidance from his teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and their consequences. It teaches us that the one who actively engages in evil is worse than the evil itself. By referencing Quranic verses, we can understand the importance of considering the impact of our actions and the need to actively strive against evil. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our actions and protect us from becoming the doers of evil.