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مَنْ لَؤُمَ ساءَ ميلادُهُ۔

One who is vile, [the occasion of] his birth is evil.

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One who is vile, [the occasion of] his birth is evil.

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

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ لَؤُمَ ساءَ ميلادُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who is vile, [the occasion of] his birth is evil.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (la'um) "لَؤُمَ" in this Hadith refers to someone who is morally corrupt, wicked, or vile. It signifies a person who possesses negative qualities and engages in sinful actions. Such an individual is a source of harm and negativity in society. The word (saa) "ساءَ" means evil or bad, indicating that the birth of such a person is associated with misfortune and negativity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the existence of individuals who are spiritually blind, deaf, and ignorant. They lack understanding and are engrossed in their own desires and vices. Their actions and behavior are detrimental to themselves and society as a whole. The birth of such individuals is indeed associated with evil, as they bring harm and corruption wherever they go.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using reason and intellect to distinguish between right and wrong. Those who fail to utilize their intellect and remain ignorant are considered the worst of creatures in the sight of Allah. Their birth, marked by their lack of understanding and reasoning, is indeed associated with evil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for moral excellence and righteousness. It highlights the importance of cultivating good character, avoiding sinful behavior, and seeking knowledge. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions and the impact we have on others are positive and beneficial.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for individuals to reflect upon their own actions and strive for self-improvement. It reminds us that our birth is not solely determined by our physical arrival in this world but also by the qualities and values we embody. By purifying our hearts, seeking knowledge, and practicing good deeds, we can ensure that our birth is associated with goodness and blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of moral rectitude and the consequences of engaging in vile behavior. It urges us to reflect upon our actions and strive for self-improvement, ensuring that our birth is associated with goodness and blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from evil.

. : . (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.)

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