Hadith #290

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Throw a stone in return from where one comes to you because evil can be met only with evil.

This Hadith emphasizes the principle of responding to evil with an appropriate and proportional response. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (throw back) "رُدُّوا" and (evil) "الشَّرَّ". The word "رُدُّوا" is derived from the root word "رَدَّ" which means to return or throw back. It signifies the act of responding to something in the same manner it was received. The word "الشَّرَّ" refers to evil or harm. It encompasses any action or intention that is morally wrong and detrimental to oneself or others.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Fussilat (41:34),

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse teaches us the principle of responding to evil with goodness. It encourages us to repel evil with acts of kindness, forgiveness, and patience. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a different perspective. It highlights the reality that sometimes evil can only be met with evil, as a means of self-defense or deterring further harm.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:194), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.

This verse acknowledges the principle of retaliation when faced with aggression or harm. It allows for a proportional response to protect oneself or others from further harm. However, it is important to note that this verse also reminds us to fear Allah and not exceed the limits of justice and fairness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that responding to evil with evil should only be done when necessary and in a measured manner. It is not a call for vengeance or perpetuating a cycle of violence. Rather, it is a reminder that sometimes evil can only be deterred by showing strength and standing up against it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the complexities of human interactions and the importance of maintaining justice. His words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of the Quranic principles of justice and self-defense.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of responding to evil appropriately. While the Quran encourages responding to evil with goodness, this Hadith reminds us that sometimes evil can only be met with evil, as a means of self-defense or deterring further harm. It is crucial to maintain justice and fairness in our responses, always keeping in mind the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah guide us to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.