Hadith #9378

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

The habit of vile people is to repay good with evil.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights a common characteristic of those who lack moral integrity and righteousness. To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used in this Hadith.

The word (aadatu) "عادَةُ" refers to a habit or a customary behavior that is ingrained in an individual's character. It represents a consistent pattern of behavior that becomes a defining trait of a person. In this context, it refers to the habitual behavior of vile individuals.

The word (lil'ima) "اللِّئامِ" refers to vile or wicked people. These are individuals who lack moral values, exhibit corrupt behavior, and are inclined towards evil actions. They are characterized by their disregard for righteousness and their willingness to engage in immoral conduct.

The word (mukafat) "المُكافاةُ" means to repay or to reciprocate. It signifies the act of responding to a particular action with a corresponding action. In this Hadith, it refers to the response of vile individuals towards acts of goodness or kindness.

The word (bilqabeer) "بِالقَبيحِ" means with evil or with something bad. It indicates that the response of vile individuals towards acts of goodness is to counter it with actions that are morally wrong, harmful, or hurtful.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith. 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 evil is to respond with acts of kindness, forgiveness, and righteousness. By doing so, we have the potential to transform our enemies into friends and create a positive change in society.

Another verse that aligns with 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 righteousness and justice, even if they may not share our beliefs or values. It encourages us to respond to others, regardless of their actions, with kindness, fairness, and compassion.

The profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement becomes evident when we reflect on the consequences of repaying good with evil. When vile individuals respond to acts of goodness with evil, they perpetuate a cycle of negativity, animosity, and discord. Their actions not only harm others but also tarnish their own souls, leading them further away from righteousness and moral rectitude.

On the other hand, responding to evil with goodness has transformative power. It has the potential to soften hearts, bridge gaps, and foster harmony within communities. By choosing to respond to evil with acts of kindness, forgiveness, and righteousness, we not only uphold our own moral values but also inspire others to follow the path of goodness.

Imam Ali's beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for moral excellence and to resist the temptation of repaying evil with evil. It calls upon us to emulate the noble qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly Imam Ali, who was known for his wisdom, knowledge, and exemplary character. By embodying the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can rise above the habit of vile people and become beacons of light and righteousness in our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to respond to evil with goodness, and may He guide us to follow the footsteps of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).