Hadith #3282

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

سُوءُ الخُلْقِ شُؤْمٌ، والإساءَةُ إلَى المُحسِنِ لُؤْمٌ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Bad character is inauspicious and offending a benefactor is wickedness.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. Firstly, let us examine the important words in this Hadith. "سُوءُ الخُلْقِ" refers to bad character or manners, while "شُؤْمٌ" signifies inauspiciousness or ill fortune. Furthermore, "الإساءَةُ" means offending or harming, and "المُحسِنِ" refers to a benefactor. Lastly, "لُؤْمٌ" denotes wickedness or evil.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good character in several verses. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, Allah says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the exemplary character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who serves as a role model for all Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating good character traits.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah states,

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.

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of insulting or ridiculing others, highlighting the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the consequences of bad character and offending a benefactor. Bad character brings about inauspiciousness and ill fortune. When a person possesses bad character traits such as arrogance, dishonesty, or cruelty, it not only affects their own spiritual well-being but also has negative consequences on their relationships and interactions with others. It creates a toxic environment and hinders personal growth and development.

Moreover, offending a benefactor is considered wickedness. A benefactor is someone who has shown kindness, generosity, or favor towards us. It is our duty to reciprocate their kindness and treat them with respect and gratitude. Offending or harming a benefactor not only displays ingratitude but also goes against the principles of justice and fairness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the importance of cultivating good character and treating others with kindness and respect. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. By embodying the teachings of Islam and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to develop good character and avoid offending those who have shown us kindness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate good character and avoid offending those who have shown us kindness. It highlights the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and gratitude. By embodying these principles, we can create a harmonious and virtuous society, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Islam and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.