Hadith #2576

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحِقْدُ يُذْرِي", which translates to

Malice wears away [its possessor].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the destructive nature of harboring malice or ill-will towards others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-hiqd) "الحِقْدُ" refers to malice, animosity, or deep-seated hatred that one holds towards another. It is a negative emotion that consumes the heart and soul, leading to negative consequences for both the individual harboring it and the society at large. (yudhri) "يُذْرِي" means to wear away, erode, or gradually destroy.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and the avoidance of malice. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

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 destructive nature of negative assumptions, backbiting, and spying on others. It draws a powerful analogy, comparing the act of backbiting to consuming the flesh of a dead brother, something that is repulsive to our very nature. This serves as a reminder to Muslims to refrain from engaging in such harmful behavior and to instead cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and pardoning others. It highlights the virtue of forgiveness and the reward that awaits those who possess this noble quality.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom contained within the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Malice, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, wears away its possessor. This means that harboring malice not only harms the person towards whom it is directed but also eats away at the heart and soul of the one who holds it. It consumes one's inner peace, happiness, and spiritual well-being, leading to a state of constant agitation and turmoil.

Moreover, malice has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. It breeds division, discord, and enmity among individuals and communities. It hinders the establishment of harmonious relationships and prevents the growth and progress of society. By warning against the destructive nature of malice, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of cultivating forgiveness, compassion, and love in our hearts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings, rooted in the Quranic principles, serve as a guiding light for Muslims of all generations. Through this Hadith, he reminds us of the importance of purifying our hearts from malice and embracing the virtues of forgiveness and compassion. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of harboring ill-will but also contribute to the establishment of a more harmonious and peaceful society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the destructive nature of malice and the strength to overcome it. May He guide us to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive towards forgiveness, compassion, and love in our interactions with others. Ameen.