Hadith #6784

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ ساءَ عَزْمُهُ رَجَعَ عَلَيْهِ سَهْمُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever resolves to do evil, his arrow returns to him.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (saa'a) "ساءَ" in this Hadith refers to the act of intending or resolving to do evil. It signifies a person's decision to engage in actions that are morally wrong, harmful, or sinful. It is important to note that evil actions are not only those that harm others but also those that go against the teachings of Islam and the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (azmuhu) "عَزْمُهُ" refers to a person's firm determination or resolve. It implies a strong will and commitment to carry out a particular action. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the firm resolve to engage in evil deeds.

The phrase (raja'a 'alayhi sahmuhu) "رَجَعَ عَلَيْهِ سَهْمُهُ" translates to

his arrow returns to him.

This metaphorical expression highlights the consequences that befall those who intend to do evil. Just as an arrow shot from a bow returns to its origin, the evil intentions and actions of a person ultimately come back to harm them.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah is just and does not allow evil to go unpunished. Those who intend to do evil will face the consequences of their actions, as Allah's justice prevails.

Furthermore, in Surah Yunus (10:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And when they had thrown, Moses said, 'What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allah will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.'

This verse highlights the futility of evil actions and the fact that Allah will expose their true nature. Just as the magic of Pharaoh's magicians was exposed as false, evil intentions and actions will ultimately be revealed and their worthlessness will become evident.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the principle of divine justice and the consequences that await those who intend to do evil. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that their intentions and actions have far-reaching effects. When a person resolves to do evil, they may initially believe that they can escape the consequences, but Allah's justice prevails, and their actions will ultimately harm them.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. Muslims are encouraged to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, they can avoid the harmful consequences that befall those who engage in evil deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of the human psyche and the consequences of evil intentions. It is a reminder for Muslims to strive for righteousness, to purify their intentions, and to seek forgiveness for any past wrongdoings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that evil intentions and actions have consequences that ultimately harm the individual who engages in them. It reminds us of Allah's justice and the importance of self-reflection and accountability. May we all strive to purify our intentions and actions, seeking Allah's guidance and forgiveness.