Hadith #5140

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a profound aspect of human nature and behavior. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The wicked person does not think good of anyone because he does not see them except through [the lenses of] his own nature.

This Hadith emphasizes the negative perception and judgment that a wicked person holds towards others. To fully comprehend the depth of this statement, let us delve into the key words and their meanings.

The word (sharīr) "شَّريرُ" refers to an individual who possesses evil qualities, harbors ill intentions, and engages in wicked actions. Such a person is inclined towards negativity and tends to view others in a negative light. The word (lā yaẓunnu) "لايَظُنُّ" means to not think or believe. It signifies the lack of positive perception or expectation that the wicked person has towards others. The word (khayran) "خَيْراً" means good or goodness. It represents the positive attributes, actions, or intentions that the wicked person fails to acknowledge or recognize in others. Lastly, the phrase (lā yarāhu illā biṭabʿi nafsihi)

لا يَراهُ إلاّ بِطَبْعِ نَفْسِهِ

translates to

he does not see them except through [the lenses of] his own nature.

This phrase elucidates that the wicked person's perception of others is solely based on their own flawed character and mindset.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions about others. It warns against the sin of assuming the worst about someone without any evidence. It encourages Muslims to have a positive outlook and to refrain from backbiting or spying on one another.

Another relevant verse can be found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of refraining from mocking or belittling others. It reminds Muslims that they should not judge others based on their own limited understanding or biased perspective. Instead, they should recognize that others may possess qualities or virtues that are superior to their own.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It sheds light on the negative mindset of a wicked person who fails to see the goodness in others due to their own flawed nature. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-awareness and to avoid falling into the trap of negative assumptions and judgments. It encourages us to adopt a more positive and open-minded approach towards others, recognizing that they may possess qualities and virtues that we may not be aware of.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a motivation for self-reflection and self-improvement. It prompts us to examine our own nature and mindset, ensuring that we do not fall into the category of the wicked person who fails to see the goodness in others. By cultivating a positive and optimistic outlook, we can foster unity, harmony, and empathy within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the negative perception and judgment that a wicked person holds towards others. It highlights the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and encourages Muslims to adopt a positive and open-minded approach towards others. By reflecting on our own nature and mindset, we can strive to see the goodness in others and foster unity within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in our interactions with others and grant us the ability to see the best in each other.