Hadith #6692

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

He who has animosity [towards others] is not capable of fearing Allah.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (khasama) "خاصَمَ", which translates to "animosity" or "enmity." This term refers to a state of hostility or ill-will towards others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that one who harbors such animosity is incapable of truly fearing Allah.

To understand this concept further, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others and avoiding enmity in several verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among Muslims and encourages them to reconcile any conflicts that may arise. It underscores the significance of resolving disputes and fostering harmonious relationships. By doing so, one demonstrates the fear of Allah and seeks His mercy.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah says,

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 righteousness and justice, even if they hold different beliefs or ideologies. It emphasizes the need to maintain good conduct and fairness towards all individuals, regardless of any differences. By doing so, one upholds the fear of Allah and earns His love.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When he states that one who harbors animosity is incapable of fearing Allah, he is highlighting the inherent contradiction between holding ill-will towards others and sincerely fearing Allah.

Fearing Allah entails recognizing His presence, acknowledging His authority, and striving to adhere to His commandments. It involves purifying one's heart from negative emotions and cultivating love, compassion, and forgiveness towards others. Animosity, on the other hand, stems from ego, pride, and a lack of empathy.

When one allows animosity to reside in their heart, it clouds their judgment and hinders their ability to truly fear Allah. It creates a barrier between them and the divine mercy. The consequences of harboring animosity are detrimental not only to one's spiritual well-being but also to their relationships with others.

For example, if a person holds animosity towards their fellow Muslim, it can lead to the breakdown of unity within the community. It can sow seeds of discord, weaken bonds of brotherhood, and hinder collective progress. Moreover, it can prevent individuals from seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, further distancing them from the fear of Allah.

In contrast, when one strives to let go of animosity and replaces it with love, forgiveness, and compassion, they open the doors to the fear of Allah. By seeking reconciliation, resolving conflicts, and treating others with kindness, they align themselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to examine their hearts and purify them from animosity. It highlights the importance of fostering unity, maintaining good relations, and seeking reconciliation. By doing so, we can truly fear Allah and strive towards His pleasure. May Allah guide us all to embody these teachings and grant us the strength to overcome animosity.