Hadith #9298

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Return the stone from whence it came to you, for indeed evil is not repulsed except by evil.

This statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in dealing with evil and negativity.

Let us first delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (rudha) "رُدَّ" means to return or send back. It signifies the act of giving back something to its original place or source. The word (hajar) "حَجَرَ" refers to a stone, which can symbolize any form of harm or negativity that comes our way. The word (sharr) "شَّرُّ" translates to evil or harm, indicating the negative actions or intentions of others.

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 and kindness. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this principle, as he advises us to return the stone from whence it came. By doing so, we are encouraged to respond to negativity with positive actions and attitudes.

Returning the stone to its source can be understood as not allowing ourselves to be consumed by anger, revenge, or negativity. Instead, we should strive to repel evil with good, just as Allah commands in the Quran. This approach has the potential to transform enmity into friendship and animosity into harmony.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying also reminds us of the concept of cause and effect. When we respond to evil with evil, we perpetuate a cycle of negativity and harm. Conversely, when we respond to evil with goodness, we break this cycle and create a pathway for positive change.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with good 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 significance of treating others with fairness and justice, even in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that responding to evil with evil only perpetuates animosity and division. By choosing to respond with goodness, we embody the qualities of righteousness and justice that Allah loves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in this Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their own actions and responses. It reminds us that we have the power to break the cycle of negativity and transform it into positivity. By responding to evil with goodness, we not only protect ourselves from being consumed by negativity but also have the potential to inspire positive change in others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of responding to evil with goodness and kindness. It urges us to return the stone from whence it came, symbolizing our ability to repel negativity and harm through positive actions. By following this guidance, we can break the cycle of negativity, foster harmony, and embody the qualities of righteousness and justice that Allah loves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this guidance in our lives.