Hadith #5083

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,

تَأخيرُ الشَّرِّ إفادَةُ خَيْر۔

which translates to

Delaying of evil is advantageous to good.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of patience and restraint in the face of evil or wrongdoing.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. The word (ta'akhir) "تَأخيرُ" means "delaying" or "postponing," indicating the act of refraining from immediate retaliation or response. The word (ash-sharr) "الشَّرِّ" refers to "evil" or "harm," encompassing any action or intention that goes against the teachings of Islam. Finally, the word (ifadatu) "إفادَةُ" means "advantage" or "benefit," signifying the positive outcome that can be achieved by delaying the response to evil.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and seeking the betterment of society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to evil with goodness and to avoid engaging in futile arguments or confrontations.

Furthermore, in Surah Fussilat (41:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better, then the one who was once your enemy may become your dearest friend.

This verse emphasizes the superiority of good over evil and encourages Muslims to respond to evil with kindness and compassion, with the hope of transforming the hearts of those who perpetrate evil.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, reminds us that delaying the response to evil can lead to greater benefits. By exercising patience and restraint, we allow ourselves the opportunity to contemplate the consequences of our actions and to respond in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

For example, imagine a situation where someone insults or harms us. Our immediate reaction may be to retaliate with harsh words or actions. However, if we follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and delay our response, we can take a moment to reflect on the teachings of the Quran. We may realize that responding with kindness and forgiveness is a more effective way to address the situation and potentially change the heart of the person who wronged us.

Delaying the response to evil also allows us to avoid escalating conflicts and promotes a peaceful resolution. It gives us the opportunity to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through prayer and reflection, enabling us to make wise and informed decisions. By responding to evil with goodness, we can break the cycle of hatred and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of delaying our response to evil. By exercising patience and restraint, we can achieve greater benefits and uphold the principles of Islam. This Hadith is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which encourage Muslims to repel evil with what is better and to seek the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and respond to evil with goodness.