pauseplay_arrow

واللّهِ لايُعَذِّبُ اللّهُ سُبْحانَهُ مُؤْمِناً بَعْدَ الإيمانِ إلاّ بِسُوءِ ظَنِّهِ، وسُوءِ خُلْقِهِ۔

By Allah! Allah, the Glorified, will not punish a believer after he believes except because of his thinking ill [of others] and his bad character.

Audio

Photo

Save
By Allah! Allah, the Glorified, will not punish a believer after he...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Conjecture)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

By Allah! Allah, the Glorified, will not punish a believer after he believes except because of his thinking ill [of others] and his bad character.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect upon the important words used in this Hadith. The word (mu'minan) "مُؤْمِناً" refers to a believer, someone who has embraced faith in Allah and His Messenger. The term (suu' thannihi) "سُوءِ ظَنِّهِ" translates to "thinking ill" or having negative assumptions about others. And the phrase (suu' khulqihi) "سُوءِ خُلْقِهِ" means "bad character" or immoral conduct.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of having good thoughts about others in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12:

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the significance of avoiding negative assumptions and backbiting, as they are sinful acts. It draws attention to the fact that having a good opinion of others is essential for maintaining harmonious relationships within the Muslim community. By thinking ill of others, we not only harm them but also invite the punishment of Allah upon ourselves.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the importance of good character and moral conduct. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the character of the Prophet Muhammad () by saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse highlights the exemplary character of the Prophet () and serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards embodying good character traits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the importance of good character by stating that Allah will not punish a believer except due to their bad character. This implies that our actions and behavior towards others have a direct impact on our relationship with Allah. If we engage in immoral conduct, such as lying, cheating, or hurting others, we are liable to face the consequences of our actions.

It is important to note that the consequences of thinking ill of others and having bad character extend beyond the realm of this world. In the Hereafter, our negative assumptions and immoral conduct will be taken into account, and we may be held accountable for the harm we have caused to others. This serves as a motivation for Muslims to constantly strive towards self-improvement and the cultivation of positive character traits.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their thoughts and actions. It encourages us to have good opinions of others, refrain from negative assumptions, and cultivate virtuous character traits. By doing so, we not only strengthen our relationship with Allah but also contribute to the well-being and unity of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of thinking well of others and maintaining good character. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of positive assumptions and virtuous conduct. As Muslims, it is our duty to embody these teachings in our daily lives and strive towards becoming individuals of impeccable character. May Allah guide us all on this path and grant us the strength to overcome our shortcomings.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device.