Hadith #5089

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

الشَّرُّ (الشَّرَهُ) حَمّالُ الآثامِ۔

This can be translated as,

Evil is the carrier of misdeeds.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (al-sharru) "الشَّرُّ" refers to evil or wickedness. It encompasses all actions, intentions, and thoughts that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. It is the embodiment of everything that is harmful, destructive, and sinful. The word (hammalu) "حَمّالُ" means carrier or bearer. It signifies the role that evil plays in carrying and propagating misdeeds.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So for each [religious following] is a direction toward which it faces. So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving towards goodness and righteousness, and it serves as a reminder that evil is the antithesis of these virtues.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in promoting righteousness and avoiding sin. It emphasizes the need to distance ourselves from evil and its carriers, as they are the propagators of misdeeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement sheds light on the consequences of evil actions. Evil not only corrupts the individual who engages in it but also spreads its influence to others. It acts as a carrier, transmitting and perpetuating misdeeds within society. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the destructive nature of evil and the importance of actively combating it.

By recognizing evil as the carrier of misdeeds, we are motivated to distance ourselves from it and strive towards righteousness. We are encouraged to promote goodness, justice, and compassion in our actions and interactions. This Hadith also serves as a reflection on the consequences of our choices. Every action we take has a ripple effect, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our actions contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

الشَّرُّ (الشَّرَهُ) حَمّالُ الآثامِ۔

highlights the role of evil as the carrier of misdeeds. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the destructive nature of evil and the importance of actively combating it. By striving towards righteousness and distancing ourselves from evil, we can contribute to a more just and compassionate society. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the influence of evil.