Hadith #259

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

Between you and the preaching there is a curtain of deception.

Let us delve into the meaning and implications of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (maw'izah) "مَوْعِظَةِ" in the Hadith refers to preaching or admonition. It is a reminder or counsel given to guide individuals towards righteousness and away from sin. The word (hijab) "حِجَابٌ" means a curtain or barrier that separates two things. And finally, the word (ghirrah) "غِرَّةِ" means deception or delusion.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hijr (15:39),

And that the Hour is coming - no doubt about it - and that Allah will resurrect those in the graves.

This verse reminds us of the reality of the Hereafter and the Day of Judgment. It serves as a warning and a call to prepare ourselves for the ultimate accountability.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of deception is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:112), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy - devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion.

This verse highlights the presence of evil forces that seek to mislead and deceive individuals, even using eloquent and enticing words.

Now, let us reflect on the amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He is reminding us that there exists a barrier, a curtain of deception, between us and the true essence of preaching. This barrier can manifest in various forms, such as false ideologies, misleading interpretations, or insincere preachers who seek personal gain rather than guiding people towards the truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of discernment and critical thinking when it comes to accepting and internalizing any form of preaching. Muslims are urged to seek knowledge and understanding, to reflect upon the Quran, and to evaluate the authenticity and sincerity of the message being conveyed.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their pursuit of knowledge and guidance. It encourages us to question, analyze, and seek clarity in matters of faith. We should not blindly accept any form of preaching without verifying its authenticity and aligning it with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to be aware of the potential pitfalls and deceptions that may cloud our understanding of true preaching. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling into falsehood and ensure that our faith and actions are firmly rooted in the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Between you and the preaching there is a curtain of deception,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be discerning and critical in their pursuit of knowledge and guidance. It calls upon us to seek the truth, to evaluate the authenticity of the messages we encounter, and to ensure that our faith is firmly grounded in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from deception.