Hadith #9359

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The vile one spares no effort in seeking evil vengeance for the wrong that has been done to him.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (la'eem) "لئيم" refers to someone who is vile, wicked, or of low character. This person lacks moral integrity and is inclined towards evil actions. The word (yu'lee) "يعلي" means to exert or raise one's efforts. (himmatuhu) "همته" refers to one's determination, resolve, or ambition. (feema) "فيما" means in what or with regard to what. (juniya) "جني" means to be wronged or oppressed. And finally, (suu' al-mukafah) "سوء المكافاة" refers to seeking evil vengeance or retribution.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Ayah 8:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with justice and righteousness, even those who may have wronged us. It reminds us that seeking revenge or harboring ill feelings towards others is not in line with the teachings of Islam. Instead, we are encouraged to act justly and maintain good conduct, regardless of the actions of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the behavior of a vile individual who, instead of seeking forgiveness or reconciliation, actively seeks to harm others in return for the wrong they believe has been done to them. This behavior goes against the principles of Islam, which promote forgiveness, mercy, and the pursuit of peace.

The consequences of such behavior can be detrimental not only to the individual seeking revenge but also to society as a whole. It perpetuates a cycle of violence and animosity, leading to further harm and discord. Islam teaches us to break this cycle by responding to wrongdoing with forgiveness and seeking reconciliation, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-control. It is natural to feel anger or hurt when we are wronged, but it is our duty as Muslims to rise above these negative emotions and respond with wisdom and kindness. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the harmful effects of seeking revenge but also contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to refrain from seeking evil vengeance and instead strive for forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. It highlights the importance of maintaining good character and embodying the teachings of Islam in our interactions with others. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the path of righteousness and seek His pleasure in all our actions.