Hadith #1725

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Antipathy is a disgrace and sinning is [a cause of] destruction.

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

The word (al-jafaa) "الجَفاءُ" in this Hadith refers to antipathy or animosity. It signifies the feeling of hostility, aversion, or ill-will towards others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that such antipathy is a disgrace. This implies that harboring negative feelings towards others tarnishes one's character and diminishes their moral standing. Islam teaches us to foster love, compassion, and unity among Muslims, and to treat others with kindness and respect.

The second part of the Hadith states, (al-ma'siyatu hayn) "المَعْصِيَةُ حَيْنٌ۔". Here, (al-ma'siyah) "المَعْصِيَةُ" refers to sinning or disobedience to Allah's commands. It encompasses actions that go against the teachings of Islam and lead one astray from the path of righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that such disobedience is a cause of destruction. This highlights the severe consequences of indulging in sinful behavior, as it can lead to spiritual, emotional, and even physical ruin.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of avoiding antipathy and ridicule towards others. It cautions against belittling or mocking people based on their appearance, social status, or any other factor. Allah reminds us that such behavior is rooted in disobedience and is considered wretched. It tarnishes the name of faith and undermines the unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding self-destructive actions. It encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah and engage in acts of goodness. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into destruction and earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of antipathy and sinning. Antipathy not only tarnishes our character but also disrupts the unity and harmony within the Muslim community. Sinning, on the other hand, leads to destruction and distances us from the path of righteousness. It is crucial for Muslims to reflect upon these teachings and strive to cultivate love, compassion, and obedience to Allah's commands in their lives.

Let us take this Hadith to heart and strive to eliminate antipathy from our hearts, treating others with kindness and respect. Let us also strive to refrain from sinful actions and instead engage in acts of righteousness, seeking Allah's pleasure and protection from destruction. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us the strength to overcome our shortcomings.