Hadith #7815

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عامَلَ بِالعُنْفِ نَدِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who perpetrates violence, regrets.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (unf) "عُنْفِ" in this Hadith refers to any form of aggression, oppression, or injustice. It encompasses physical violence, emotional abuse, and any act that causes harm to others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of such behavior by emphasizing that the one who engages in violence will ultimately feel remorse and regret.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns violence and oppression, and emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and mercy. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32),

Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.

This verse demonstrates the gravity of taking a life unjustly and highlights the sanctity of human life. It emphasizes the principle of preserving life and prohibits any form of violence or aggression. The regret mentioned in the Hadith can be understood in the context of this verse, as the one who perpetrates violence goes against the divine decree and the inherent value of human life, leading to deep remorse and regret.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that violence begets violence and perpetuates a cycle of harm. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah says,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse sets clear boundaries for self-defense and prohibits any excessive use of force. It reminds us that resorting to violence should only be a last resort and should never exceed the limits set by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to abstain from violence and to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and the consequences they may have on ourselves and others. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to create a society based on justice, compassion, and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the regret that accompanies violence and aggression. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the sanctity of human life, the importance of justice, and the prohibition of transgression. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these teachings and work towards a world free from violence and oppression. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).