Hadith #9884

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against feeling secure from someone who is fed-up with us, even if they try to appease us with gifts or kind gestures. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the metaphor of lightning to illustrate the point that there is no enjoyment or benefit in lightening for someone who is already plunged into darkness.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this profound Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (malūlā) "مَلُولاً" in the Hadith refers to someone who is fed-up or discontented. This person may have negative feelings towards us, and their actions or words may indicate their displeasure. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to feel secure from such individuals, even if they try to win us over with gifts or acts of kindness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining good relations with others, even in the face of adversity. Allah says in Surah Al-Fussilat (41:34),

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse teaches us to respond to negativity with kindness and goodness. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that despite our efforts to mend relations, we should not become complacent and assume that the person who was once discontented is now trustworthy.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this point by using the metaphor of lightning and darkness. Lightning, with its bright and sudden appearance, may bring temporary relief and enjoyment to those in well-lit surroundings. However, for someone who is already engulfed in darkness, the fleeting light of lightning offers no lasting benefit or solace. Similarly, the gifts and kind gestures of someone who is fed-up with us cannot bring true enjoyment or security.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be cautious and discerning in our relationships. It urges us to look beyond superficial acts of kindness and consider the underlying intentions and feelings of others. It teaches us not to be deceived by temporary gestures of goodwill, especially when there is a history of discontentment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides us with this guidance to protect ourselves from potential harm and deception. He encourages us to be vigilant and not to let our guard down, even when faced with apparent acts of reconciliation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be cautious and not to feel secure from someone who is fed-up with us, regardless of any gifts or kind gestures they may offer. It teaches us to look beyond surface-level interactions and consider the underlying intentions and feelings of others. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from potential harm and deception, and maintain genuine and trustworthy relationships in accordance with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and apply this guidance in our lives.