Hadith #2361

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

إذا أحْسَنْتَ عَلَى اللَّئِيمِ وتَرَكَ بِإحْسانِكَ إلَيْهِ۔

This can be translated as:

If you do good to a vile person, he will wrong you in return for your goodness to him.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (ahsanta) "أحْسَنْتَ" is derived from the root word (hasana) "حَسَنَ", which means to do good or to excel in goodness. The word (ala) "عَلَى" means to or towards, indicating the direction of the goodness. The word (laimi) "اللَّئِيمِ" refers to a vile or wicked person. And the word (ihsanika) "إحْسانِكَ" means your goodness or acts of kindness.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Fussilat (41:34):

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness. It teaches us that the power of goodness can transform enmity into friendship. When we respond to vile behavior with kindness and generosity, we create an opportunity for positive change and reconciliation.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:96):

Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil. We are most knowing of what they describe.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully aware of our actions and intentions. By responding to evil with goodness, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's wisdom and His ability to rectify any injustice. We leave the matter to Him, knowing that He is the ultimate judge and will hold everyone accountable for their actions.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When we do good to a vile person, it is possible that they may respond with ingratitude or even harm us in return. However, this should not deter us from performing acts of kindness. Our motivation should not be based on the expectation of a positive response, but rather on our desire to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and he understood the power of goodness in transforming hearts. By doing good to a vile person, we plant a seed of goodness within them. Even if they do not immediately change their ways, our actions may leave a lasting impact on their conscience, leading them to reflect on their behavior and eventually change for the better.

Moreover, responding to evil with goodness elevates our own character and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a test of our patience, forgiveness, and trust in Allah's justice. It allows us to rise above the negativity and maintain our integrity in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of responding to vile behavior with goodness. It reminds us that our actions should be driven by a sincere desire to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, rather than seeking immediate gratification or expecting a positive response. By doing so, we not only contribute to the betterment of society but also strengthen our own character and relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us to embody this noble teaching in our lives and grant us the strength to respond to evil with goodness.