Hadith #9784

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المكور شيطان" which translates to

The one who always hatches plots [against others] is a devil.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the evil nature of those who constantly engage in scheming and plotting against others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the words used. The term (Al-Makoor) "المكور" refers to someone who habitually devises plans and schemes to harm or deceive others. This person is constantly engaged in plotting and conniving, seeking to manipulate and exploit those around them. The word (Shaytan) "شيطان" translates to "devil" and represents the embodiment of evil and deception.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the characteristics and actions of the devil. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and avoiding the path of the devil, who is our clear enemy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 27, Allah describes the devil's deceptive nature by saying,

O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe.

Now, let us delve into the profound exegesis of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The Imam is highlighting the dangerous nature of those who constantly engage in plotting and scheming against others. Such individuals are driven by their own selfish desires and are willing to harm and deceive others to achieve their goals. They are like the devil himself, who is known for his deceitful tactics and his relentless efforts to lead humanity astray.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be wary of those who engage in constant plotting and scheming. It is a call to recognize the evil intentions of such individuals and to distance ourselves from their harmful influence. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into their traps and maintain our integrity and righteousness.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of sincerity, honesty, and transparency in our interactions with others. As Muslims, we are encouraged to be people of integrity who strive for the betterment of society and the well-being of our fellow human beings. We should avoid engaging in any form of deceit or manipulation, for these are the traits of the devil.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who constantly plot and scheme against others. It highlights the evil nature of such individuals and encourages us to distance ourselves from their harmful influence. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can protect ourselves from falling into the traps of the devil and strive towards a righteous and virtuous life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the whispers of Shaytan.