Hadith #3300

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 warns us about four important aspects that we, as Muslims, need to be cautious of. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first aspect mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "خُبْثَ الطَّوِيَّةِ" which can be translated as "a wicked heart." The word "خُبْثَ" refers to something that is rotten, corrupt, or impure. It signifies a heart that is tainted with evil, malice, and hypocrisy. The Quran emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart in several verses. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:88),

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse warns against the arrogance and pride that can corrupt the heart and lead to wickedness.

The second aspect mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "إفْسادَ النِّيَّةِ" which can be translated as "corruption of intention." The word "إفْسادَ" refers to the act of spoiling, corrupting, or distorting something. Here, it refers to the corruption of one's intentions, which means having ulterior motives, hidden agendas, or insincere intentions. The Quran emphasizes the importance of having pure intentions in worship and all aspects of life. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and purity of intention in standing up for the truth, even if it leads to animosity and opposition.

The third aspect mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "رُكوبَ الدَّنِيَّةِ" which can be translated as "embarking on vice." The word "رُكوبَ" refers to riding or mounting something. Here, it signifies indulging in worldly desires, materialism, and sinful activities. The Quran repeatedly warns against being consumed by worldly pursuits and neglecting the spiritual aspect of life. In Surah Al-Isra (17:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Whoever should desire the immediate - We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse reminds us that indulging in worldly desires without considering the consequences can lead to eternal punishment.

The fourth aspect mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "غُرُورَ الأُمْنِيَّةِ" which can be translated as

the deception of [false] aspiration.

The word "غُرُورَ" refers to delusion, deception, or false hopes. It signifies being deceived by worldly ambitions and desires, which can lead to neglecting the true purpose of life. The Quran warns against being deceived by the temporary pleasures of this world in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about these four aspects to remind us of the importance of purifying our hearts, having sincere intentions, abstaining from vice, and not being deceived by worldly aspirations. By reflecting on these teachings and implementing them in our lives, we can strive towards spiritual growth, righteousness, and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the evils of the heart, corrupt intentions, sinful actions, and false aspirations.