Hadith #5113

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,

مَنْ أسَّسَ أساسَ الشَّرِّ أسَّسَهُ عَلى نَفْسِِهِ۔

This amazing Hadith can be translated as,

One who lays the foundation of evil cause has [actually] instituted it against himself.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (assasa) "أسَّسَ" means to lay the foundation or establish something. In this context, it refers to the act of initiating or setting in motion a harmful or evil cause. The word (asas) "أساسَ" means foundation, representing the basis or core of something. And the word (ash-sharr) "الشَّرِّ" refers to evil or harm.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102),

And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, 'We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].' And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.

This ayah highlights the consequences of engaging in evil practices, such as magic, and how it ultimately harms the individual who initiates it. The individuals who learned magic from the devils caused harm to themselves and others, despite knowing that it would have no benefit in the Hereafter. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that those who lay the foundation of an evil cause are actually instituting harm upon themselves.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Yunus (10:27), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But those who have earned [blame for] evil doings - the recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent, and humiliation will cover them. They will have from Allah no protector. It will be as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night - so dark [are they]. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

This verse emphasizes the principle of retribution, where the consequences of evil actions will be equivalent to the evil itself. Those who engage in evil deeds will face humiliation and darkness, symbolizing the absence of guidance and mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This aligns with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it warns that those who lay the foundation of evil are essentially inviting harm and punishment upon themselves.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their actions and intentions. It teaches us that initiating or supporting evil causes not only harms others but also brings harm upon ourselves. It highlights the importance of striving for righteousness and avoiding any involvement in harmful or immoral activities.

Furthermore, this Hadith emphasizes the profound knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words serve as a timeless guidance for Muslims, reminding us of the consequences of our actions and the importance of upholding goodness in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that those who lay the foundation of evil are actually instituting harm upon themselves. This message is supported by Quranic verses that highlight the consequences of engaging in evil practices and the principle of retribution. Muslims are reminded to be mindful of their actions and intentions, striving for righteousness and avoiding any involvement in harmful or immoral causes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of goodness and protect us from the harms of evil.