Hadith #8279

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

وَيْلٌ لِمَنْ تَمادى في غَيِّهِ، ولَمْ يَفِئْ إلَى الرُّشْدِ۔

This Hadith serves as a profound warning, expressing woe and lamentation for those who persist in their deviation and fail to return to the right path.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tamada) "تَمَادَى" refers to someone who persists or continues in their deviation, refusing to change their course. (ghayyih) "غَيِّهِ" denotes deviation or straying away from the right path. And (ar-rushd) "الرُّشْدِ" signifies guidance or the right path.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which provides us with numerous verses emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and avoiding deviation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:213),

Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed.

This verse highlights the initial unity of mankind before their deviation, and the subsequent sending of prophets to guide them back to the right path.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:105), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided.

This verse emphasizes the individual responsibility to seek guidance and warns against the harm that can come from persisting in deviation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dire consequences of persisting in deviation and failing to return to the right path. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-correction, urging individuals to constantly assess their actions and beliefs to ensure they are aligned with the teachings of Islam.

When someone persists in their deviation, they distance themselves from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They become vulnerable to the whispers of Shaytan and the temptations of the worldly desires. This persistence can lead to a hardened heart, making it increasingly difficult for them to recognize the truth and return to the right path.

On the other hand, those who recognize their deviation and actively seek guidance are rewarded with spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are able to rectify their actions and beliefs, and their journey towards the right path becomes a means of purification and self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly assess their actions and beliefs, ensuring they are in line with the teachings of Islam. It warns against the dangers of persisting in deviation and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and returning to the right path. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all and protect us from straying away from His path.