Hadith #10149

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon their actions and their consequences. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word of significance in this Hadith is (indam) "اِنْدَمْ", which means to feel remorse or regret. It implies a deep sense of sorrow and repentance for the evil deeds that one has committed. This feeling of remorse is essential for seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to rectify one's actions.

The second word is (asata) "أسَأْتَ", which refers to the evil or wrong that one has done. It encompasses all forms of transgressions, sins, and injustices committed by an individual. It is a call to acknowledge and take responsibility for one's mistakes, seeking forgiveness and making amends.

On the other hand, the Hadith advises against regretting the (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوف" - the good act that one has performed. "مَعْرُوف" refers to acts of kindness, righteousness, and virtue. It encompasses any action that aligns with the teachings of Islam and benefits others. Regretting a good deed would be counterproductive and could discourage one from continuing to do good.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding ridicule and insults towards others. It encourages Muslims to refrain from belittling or mocking others, as they may possess qualities or virtues that surpass our own. It reminds us that regretting a good deed, such as respecting and honoring others, is not only unwarranted but also goes against the teachings of Islam.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It encourages Muslims to be proactive in acts of charity, kindness, and righteousness. Regretting such acts would be counterproductive and hinder the progress of individuals and society.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we can understand that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their actions. It urges us to feel remorse for the evil we have done, seeking forgiveness and striving to rectify our mistakes. Simultaneously, it advises against regretting the good acts we have performed, as they are a means of attaining closeness to Allah and benefiting others.

By internalizing the teachings of this Hadith and aligning our actions with the principles of Islam, we can cultivate a sense of accountability and strive for continuous self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to sincerely repent for our wrongdoings.