Hadith #3439

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.

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

مَنْ ساءَ اِخْتيارُهُ قَبُحَتْ آثارُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose choice is bad, his results become ugly.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of making good choices and the consequences that follow from them.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (saa'a) "ساءَ" refers to something that is evil, bad, or unfavorable. It implies a choice that is morally wrong or harmful. The word (ikhtiyaruhu) "اِخْتيارُهُ" means one's selection or decision. It emphasizes the act of choosing and the responsibility that lies with an individual in making decisions.

The phrase (qabuhat atharuhu) "قَبُحَتْ آثارُهُ" can be translated as

his results become ugly.

Here, (qabuhat) "قَبُحَتْ" denotes something that is repulsive, disgraceful, or unsightly. It signifies the negative consequences that arise from making bad choices. (atharuhu) "آثارُهُ" refers to the effects or outcomes of one's actions.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of making righteous choices and warns against the consequences of evil choices.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse highlights the consequences of turning away from the remembrance of Allah. It indicates that those who make bad choices and neglect their spiritual obligations will face a life filled with sorrow and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 8:47)

And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people and avert [them] from the way of Allah.

This verse warns against the arrogance and pride that can lead individuals to make bad choices. It cautions against seeking worldly recognition and fame at the expense of deviating from the path of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their choices and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of life. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance from the teachings of Islam and the Quran in order to make informed and virtuous decisions.

When we make good choices, the positive effects ripple through our lives and the lives of those around us. Conversely, when we make bad choices, the consequences can be far-reaching and detrimental. These consequences may manifest in various forms, such as damaged relationships, lost opportunities, or a tarnished reputation.

For example, if a person chooses to engage in dishonest practices in their business dealings, they may gain temporary financial benefits. However, the long-term consequences could include a loss of trust from others, legal repercussions, and a damaged reputation. On the other hand, if one chooses to be honest and fair in their dealings, they may face short-term challenges, but the long-term effects will be positive, leading to trust, respect, and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their choices and strive for righteousness in all aspects of life. It encourages us to seek knowledge, consult with wise individuals, and make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can avoid the ugly consequences of bad choices and instead experience the beauty and blessings that come from making good choices.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make righteous choices in all aspects of our lives, and may He protect us from the negative consequences of bad choices. Ameen.