Hadith #165

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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:

ازْجُرِ الْمُسِيءَ بِثوَابِ الْمُحْسِنِ۔

This can be translated as:

Rebuke the evil-doer by rewarding the good-doer.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a powerful approach to dealing with those who commit wrongs.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. (Izjur) "ازْجُرِ" means to reprimand, admonish, or rebuke someone. It implies expressing disapproval or dissatisfaction towards the actions of an individual. (Al-Musia) "الْمُسِيءَ" refers to the wrongdoer or the one who commits evil deeds. On the other hand, (Bi-Thawab) "بِثوَابِ" means with the reward or recompense, and (Al-Muhsin) "الْمُحْسِنِ" refers to the one who does good or engages in acts of kindness and righteousness.

To understand the deeper meaning of 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 emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness. It teaches us that the best way to counteract the negative actions of others is by demonstrating kindness, compassion, and righteousness. By doing so, we have the potential to transform enemies into friends and bring about positive change in society.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found 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 treating others with fairness and justice, even those who may not share our beliefs or values. It reminds us that Islam promotes kindness and justice towards all individuals, regardless of their actions or beliefs. Therefore, rebuking the wrongdoer by rewarding the good-doer aligns with the Quranic teachings of treating others with kindness and justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries profound wisdom and practical implications. By rebuking the evil-doer through rewarding the good-doer, we can create a positive and transformative impact on individuals and society as a whole. This approach not only addresses the wrongdoings but also encourages and reinforces acts of goodness.

For example, imagine a scenario where someone has been spreading rumors and causing discord within a community. Instead of directly confronting and reprimanding the individual, we can focus on rewarding those who promote unity, harmony, and positive communication. By doing so, we not only discourage the spread of rumors but also encourage others to engage in virtuous behavior.

Furthermore, this approach can also serve as a means of motivation and inspiration for individuals to strive towards righteousness. When people witness the rewards and recognition given to those who do good, they are more likely to be motivated to engage in acts of kindness and righteousness themselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Rebuke the evil-doer by rewarding the good-doer

emphasizes the importance of responding to wrongdoing with goodness. It aligns with the Quranic teachings of repelling evil with that which is better and treating others with fairness and justice. By adopting this approach, we can create a positive and transformative impact on individuals and society, encouraging virtuous behavior and discouraging wrongdoing. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).