Hadith #3442

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three actions that are considered bad choices. The first is "mughalabatul akfaa" which can be translated as

fighting or seeking to overpower one's equals.

The second is "mukashafatul a'daa" which means "unveiling an enemy." And the third is

munawatul man yaqdiru 'ala ad-darraa

which can be understood as

showing hostility towards one who is able to do harm.

To understand the wisdom behind these words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice, peace, and avoiding unnecessary conflict. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse reminds us of the importance of justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It teaches us that seeking to overpower others, especially our equals, goes against the principles of justice and fairness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us against such behavior, as it leads to discord and unrest within society.

Furthermore, the Quran also advises us to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary conflict. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 61, Allah says:

But if the enemy inclines towards peace, then incline towards it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse teaches us the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and avoiding unnecessary hostility. Unveiling an enemy and showing hostility towards them goes against the spirit of peace and reconciliation that Islam promotes.

Lastly, the Hadith warns against showing hostility towards someone who has the ability to harm us. This is a reminder of the importance of wisdom and restraint in dealing with potential adversaries. The Quran advises us in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that responding to hostility with hostility only escalates conflicts and leads to further harm. Instead, we should respond with patience, humility, and words of peace. This approach not only diffuses tension but also reflects the noble character of the believers.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid bad choices that lead to unnecessary conflict and harm. It emphasizes the importance of justice, peace, and wisdom in our interactions with others. By following these teachings, we can contribute to a harmonious and peaceful society, in line with the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make good choices and guide us on the path of righteousness.