Hadith #1724

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of antipathy or ill-feelings towards others. The word used in the Hadith for antipathy is (الجَفاءَ) "al-jafa", which refers to a state of animosity, aversion, or coldness in one's heart towards others. This antipathy can manifest in various forms, such as hatred, grudges, or ill-will.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against the detrimental effects of antipathy. He states that it corrupts brotherhood, which refers to the bond of unity and love that Muslims should have towards one another. Antipathy disrupts this bond and creates divisions among Muslims, leading to disunity and discord within the community.

To emphasize the severity of this issue, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that antipathy makes one despised by both Allah and the people. This means that harboring ill-feelings towards others not only displeases Allah, but it also leads to a negative perception of oneself in the eyes of the people. It tarnishes one's reputation and diminishes the respect and love others have for them.

The Quran provides guidance and support for the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and brotherhood among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of maintaining harmonious relationships and resolving conflicts among believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah warns against suspicion and backbiting, saying,

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 speaking ill of others, as it destroys the unity and brotherhood among Muslims.

The consequences of antipathy are far-reaching. It not only damages relationships but also hinders the progress and development of the Muslim community. When Muslims are divided and harbor ill-feelings towards one another, their collective strength and ability to face challenges are weakened. This disunity also provides an opportunity for external forces to exploit and manipulate the Muslim ummah.

On the other hand, fostering love, unity, and brotherhood among Muslims brings numerous benefits. It strengthens the community, enhances cooperation, and allows for the collective pursuit of common goals. It creates an environment of compassion, support, and understanding, where individuals can thrive and contribute positively to society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly examine their hearts and purify them from any feelings of antipathy. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of love, forgiveness, and empathy towards our fellow Muslims, regardless of any differences or disagreements we may have. By doing so, we can uphold the true essence of Islam and contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim ummah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to foster love and unity among ourselves. May He grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome any feelings of antipathy and strive towards building a strong and united Muslim community.