Following Imam Ali’s (AS) advice to avoid prolonged malice...

Following Imam Ali’s (AS) advice to avoid prolonged malice can greatly improve interpersonal relationships. He also said: “Blessed is the one whose chest is free from malice and whose heart is free from ill intent” . [6] If hostility intensifies to the point of affecting a person’s psychological state and other mental processes, enmity transforms into deep-seated malice, depriving a person of clarity, fairness, and sound judgment.

The Malice of Quraysh Toward Imam Ali (AS) After the passing of the Prophet (PBUHH), Imam Ali (AS), who had lost his greatest supporter, faced the malice and enmity of the Quraysh. He said: “What concern do we have with Quraysh! They devoured the world in our name and trod upon our necks in the way of God. Astonishing, such a noble name humbled to such degradation” .

[7] He also remarked: “Whatever grudge the Quraysh had against the Messenger of God (PBUHH) (and did not have the courage or opportunity to express it) after the death of the Prophet (PBUHH), they revealed it all to me and oppressed me as much as they could… What do the Quraysh want from me? (If I have shed their blood) it was by the command of God and His Messenger (PBUHH).

If they are Muslims (and understand and are fair), should the reward of someone who has been obedient to God and His Messenger (PBUHH) be given like this?!” . [8] Malice Leads to Conflict The malice and hostility present in individuals with base intentions will inevitably surface. They cannot hide their inner corruption forever, nor can they conceal the stench of their moral decay from perceptive observers.

Imam Ali (AS) warns against enmity and hostility in Nahj al-Balagha: “do not hold grudges against each other, for they destroy goodness and blessings” . [9] The expression “do not hold grudges against each other” refers to the fact that enmity and hostility are usually mutual and the response to enmity is enmity.

The expression “halaqah” , which comes from the root “halaq” meaning to shave, shows that enmity uproots all good and happiness, because the root of all good and happiness is cooperation, empathy, and collaboration between members of society, and this is not possible without love and friendship. [10] Love as the Antidote for Malice The opposite of malice is love , which can transform even deep-rooted hostility into friendship and affection. The purifying effect of love on the heart is undeniable.