Hadith #5092

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

اِسْتِقْباحُ(اِسْتِفْتاحُ) الشَّرِّ يَحْدُو عَلى تَجَنُّبِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Considering evil to be loathsome impels one to refrain from it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (istiqbah) "اِسْتِقْباحُ" or (istiftah) "اِسْتِفْتاحُ" in this Hadith refers to the act of considering or regarding something as loathsome or repugnant. It implies a deep aversion towards evil and a strong inclination to distance oneself from it. This attitude is essential for a believer as it serves as a powerful motivator to avoid engaging in sinful actions.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of considering evil as loathsome in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90),

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) explicitly commands the believers to avoid these sinful actions, highlighting the importance of considering them as repugnant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and states,

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding them from what is wrong. It emphasizes the importance of considering evil as repugnant and following the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) to achieve success.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us of the profound impact that our perception of evil can have on our actions. When we truly understand and internalize the repulsiveness of evil, it becomes easier for us to resist its temptations. This understanding serves as a powerful deterrent, protecting us from falling into sinful behaviors.

For example, let us consider the sin of backbiting. When we consider backbiting as loathsome, we become conscious of the harm it causes to others and the negative consequences it has on our own character. This awareness motivates us to refrain from engaging in backbiting and instead encourages us to speak well of others or remain silent. By considering evil as loathsome, we are able to cultivate a virtuous character and maintain healthy relationships with our fellow Muslims.

Moreover, this mindset of considering evil as loathsome also has broader societal implications. When individuals collectively adopt this attitude, it leads to the establishment of a righteous and morally upright society. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. In Surah Al-Imran (3:104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse highlights the responsibility of Muslims to actively promote goodness and discourage evil in society. By considering evil as loathsome, we are motivated to fulfill this duty and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Considering evil to be loathsome impels one to refrain from it,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to develop a deep aversion towards evil. By understanding the repulsiveness of sinful actions and internalizing this perception, we are motivated to refrain from engaging in them. This mindset not only helps us in our personal spiritual growth but also contributes to the establishment of a righteous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to consider evil as loathsome and guide us on the path of righteousness.