Hadith #5093

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

تَأْخِيرُ الشَّرِّ إفادَةُ خَيْر۔

This can be translated as,

Delaying of evil is a benefit for good.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ta'kheer) "تَأْخِيرُ" means to delay or postpone. It implies the act of intentionally delaying or deferring something. The word (ash-sharr) "الشَّرِّ" refers to evil or harm. It encompasses all forms of negativity, wrongdoing, and malevolence. And the word (ifadah) "إفادَةُ" means benefit, advantage, or profit. It signifies the positive outcome or advantage that can be gained from a particular action or situation. Lastly, the word (khayr) "خَيْر" means good or goodness. It represents all that is virtuous, righteous, and beneficial.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the concept that what may appear to be harmful or undesirable in the present moment can actually lead to a greater good in the future. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in Allah's wisdom and recognizing that He knows what is best for us, even when we may not fully understand it.

Another verse that supports the wisdom behind delaying evil for the sake of good is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32),

Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.

This verse highlights the immense value of preserving life and avoiding harm. It teaches us that even in situations where we may be justified in seeking revenge or taking immediate action, it is often better to delay and seek a peaceful resolution that can lead to greater benefit and harmony.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that it encourages us to exercise patience and restraint in the face of evil or harm. Instead of hastily reacting or seeking revenge, we are advised to delay our response and consider the potential benefits that may arise from this delay. By doing so, we allow for the possibility of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the opportunity for positive change.

For example, when faced with a situation where someone has wronged us, it is natural to feel anger and a desire for immediate retribution. However, if we follow the guidance of this Hadith, we may choose to delay our response and instead seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue and understanding. This delay can provide an opportunity for the other person to reflect on their actions, realize their mistake, and seek forgiveness. In this way, delaying the expression of our anger can lead to the benefit of reconciliation and the preservation of relationships.

Furthermore, the delay of evil can also be seen in the context of personal growth and self-improvement. When we are faced with temptations or negative influences, it is often better to delay indulging in them and instead focus on cultivating virtuous qualities and habits. By resisting immediate gratification and delaying the pursuit of harmful desires, we can pave the way for personal development, spiritual growth, and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the wisdom of delaying evil for the sake of good. It urges us to exercise patience, trust in Allah's wisdom, and seek peaceful resolutions instead of immediate retaliation. By doing so, we can foster reconciliation, preserve relationships, and promote personal growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and strength to implement this valuable lesson in our lives.