Hadith #10662

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنِ انْتَقَمَ مِنَ الجاني أبْطَلَ فَضْلَهُ فِي الدُّنْيا وفاتَهُ ثَوابُ الآخِرَةِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the consequences of seeking revenge on a wrongdoer. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The word (intaqama) "انتقم" means to seek revenge or retaliate against someone who has wronged you. It implies taking action to avenge oneself. The word (jani) "جاني" refers to the wrongdoer or the oppressor, someone who has committed an injustice. The word (abtala) "أبطل" means to nullify or invalidate, and (fadluhu) "فضله" refers to the merit or virtue of the person seeking revenge.

To comprehend the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8),

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 highlights the importance of justice and righteousness, even towards those who may have wronged us. Seeking revenge may lead to the nullification of our own virtues and merits in this world, as mentioned in the Hadith. By retaliating against the wrongdoer, we may lose sight of the principles of justice and fairness that Islam promotes.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah An-Nisa (4:134),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it means going against our own desires or interests. Seeking revenge may cloud our judgment and lead us away from the path of justice. It is crucial to remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge, and He is aware of our actions and intentions.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that seeking revenge not only nullifies our virtues in this world but also deprives us of the rewards of the Hereafter. By indulging in revenge, we divert our focus from seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and instead prioritize our own desires for retribution. This may lead to a loss of spiritual growth and the potential for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings were deeply rooted in the principles of justice and mercy. He understood the detrimental consequences of seeking revenge and encouraged Muslims to rise above their personal grievances for the sake of a just and harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of restraining ourselves from seeking revenge. It highlights the potential loss of our own virtues in this world and the deprivation of rewards in the Hereafter. Instead, we should strive for justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation, following the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah guide us to embody these teachings and grant us the strength to overcome our desires for revenge.