Hadith #10251

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لا يَنْتَصِفُ الْبَرُّ مِنَ الفاجِرِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

The virtuous one does not seek justice from the vicious.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (bar) "بر" refers to righteousness, virtue, or goodness. It encompasses all acts of righteousness and piety that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (fajir) "فاجِر" refers to a wicked or sinful person, someone who transgresses the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:45):

And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives [up his right as] charity, it is an expiation for him. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the principle of justice and retribution. However, it also highlights the importance of forgiveness and charity. The virtuous person, as mentioned in the Hadith, does not seek justice from the wicked. Instead, they choose to forgive and show mercy, even when they have the right to seek retribution.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:54):

These will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend.

This verse encourages believers to respond to evil with goodness and to repel evil with acts of kindness. The virtuous person, as mentioned in the Hadith, chooses to respond to the wicked with goodness and generosity, rather than seeking revenge or justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us through this Hadith the importance of rising above the desire for revenge and seeking justice from those who have wronged us. Instead, he encourages us to embody the qualities of righteousness and virtue, and to respond to evil with goodness and forgiveness.

By choosing not to seek justice from the wicked, the virtuous person sets an example of mercy and compassion. They understand that seeking revenge only perpetuates a cycle of hatred and harm. Instead, they strive to break this cycle by responding to evil with acts of kindness and forgiveness.

This Hadith reminds us of the profound teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. It calls upon us to embody these qualities in our interactions with others, even when faced with injustice or wrongdoing. By doing so, we not only elevate our own character but also contribute to the establishment of a more harmonious and just society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to embody the virtues of righteousness and forgiveness. May we strive to respond to evil with goodness and seek justice through mercy and compassion. And may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.