Hadith #5007

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا سُؤْدََدَ مَعَ انْتِقام۔

This statement emphasizes the idea that there is no true greatness or nobility in seeking revenge or taking vengeance. To fully comprehend the depth of this saying, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (su'dad) "سُؤْدََدَ" refers to eminence, greatness, or superiority. It signifies a state of being elevated or distinguished in terms of character, status, or actions. On the other hand, (intiqam) "انْتِقام" means revenge or retribution. It refers to the act of seeking retribution for a perceived wrong or harm inflicted upon oneself.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 justice and fairness, even if they have wronged us in some way. Seeking revenge would contradict this principle of justice and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.

This verse emphasizes the importance of legal retribution in cases of murder, but it also encourages forgiveness and reconciliation. It reminds us that seeking revenge should not be our default response, but rather, we should strive for justice and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the negative consequences of seeking revenge. When we seek vengeance, we often lose sight of the bigger picture and become consumed by anger and hatred. This can lead to a cycle of violence and further harm, both for ourselves and for others involved. By refraining from seeking revenge, we can break this cycle and promote peace and harmony in our lives and communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep understanding and wisdom. His knowledge and insight allowed him to recognize the futility and destructive nature of seeking revenge. Instead, he advocated for forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice through peaceful means. By following his example, Muslims can strive for true eminence and greatness, rooted in compassion, forgiveness, and the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that there is no true eminence or greatness in seeking revenge. Instead, we should strive for justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. By doing so, we can break the cycle of violence and promote peace and harmony in our lives and communities. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to seek eminence through noble actions.