Hadith #5967

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not permit your selves to take you into the paths of the oppressors.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of not aligning oneself with those who engage in oppression and wrongdoing. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (turaḫḫiṣū) "تُرَخِّصُوا" in the Hadith means "to permit" or "to allow." It implies giving permission or granting oneself the freedom to engage in certain actions or behaviors. The word (anfusikum) "أنْفُسِكُمْ" refers to one's own selves or souls. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising Muslims not to allow their own selves to be led astray or influenced by the paths of the oppressors.

The term (maẓāhibi) "مَذاهِبِ" in the Hadith refers to the paths or ways of the oppressors. It encompasses their ideologies, practices, and methods that are rooted in injustice, tyranny, and wrongdoing. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning Muslims against adopting or following these paths, as they lead to moral corruption and spiritual deviation.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against oppression and those who engage in it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 190, Allah says,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse highlights the importance of standing up against oppression but also emphasizes the need to maintain justice and avoid exceeding the limits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah commands,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice and fairness, even if it goes against their personal inclinations or biases.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the dangers of aligning oneself with the oppressors. He recognized that oppression not only harms the victims but also corrupts the oppressors themselves. By permitting oneself to follow the paths of the oppressors, one risks compromising their own moral integrity and straying from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and discerning in their choices and associations. It urges us to align ourselves with justice, truth, and righteousness, even if it means standing against popular opinion or societal norms. By doing so, we uphold the principles of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society.

The consequences of permitting oneself to be led astray by the paths of the oppressors are severe. It can lead to moral decay, loss of faith, and a deviation from the teachings of Islam. Moreover, it perpetuates injustice and contributes to the cycle of oppression in society. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be aware of the dangers of aligning themselves with the oppressors and to actively resist such influences.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their choices and associations. It advises against permitting oneself to be led astray by the paths of the oppressors, as it leads to moral corruption and spiritual deviation. By aligning ourselves with justice and righteousness, we uphold the teachings of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the influence of the oppressors.