مَنْ ساءَ عَقْدُهُ سَرَّ فَقْدُهُ۔
One whose resolve [and intention] is evil, his death is a cause of happiness.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Intention)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Man saa'a 'aqduhu sarr faqduhu.
This Hadith can be translated as,
One whose resolve [and intention] is evil, his death is a cause of happiness.
Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
To understand this Hadith, it is important to reflect upon the key words used. The word "saa'a" refers to one's resolve or intention, while "aqduhu" signifies the quality of this resolve. The word "sarr" refers to evil or wickedness, and "faqduhu" means death or demise. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the consequences of harboring evil intentions and wicked resolves.
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of intentions and resolves. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 225, Allah says,
Allah does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned.
This verse reminds us that our intentions and resolves are of utmost importance in the sight of Allah. If our intentions are evil, it will have consequences in this life and the hereafter.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56, Allah states,
Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.
This verse highlights the fact that Allah is the ultimate guide, and He guides those who have sincere and righteous intentions. Conversely, those who harbor evil intentions will not be guided by Allah.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the profound consequences of our intentions and resolves. If our intentions are evil, it will lead to a miserable and regretful life, and ultimately, a death that brings happiness to others. This is because evil intentions lead to harmful actions, causing pain and suffering to oneself and others.
For example, if someone has the intention to deceive and cheat others, their actions will harm those around them. They may accumulate wealth through dishonest means, but their death will not be mourned by those who were affected by their deceit. On the other hand, if someone has noble intentions and resolves to do good, their actions will bring happiness and benefit to others. Their death will be mourned by those who were touched by their kindness and generosity.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to purify our intentions and resolves. We should strive to align our intentions with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can ensure that our actions bring happiness and benefit to ourselves and those around us.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our intentions and resolves. It highlights the importance of purifying our intentions and aligning them with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah guide us to have righteous intentions and resolves, and may our actions bring happiness and benefit to ourselves and others.
Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device. |