Hadith #2639

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

مَنْ عانَدَ الحَقَّ كانَ اللّهُ خَصْمَهُ۔

This can be translated as:

One who opposes the truth has taken Allah as his adversary.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (opposes) "عانَدَ" in this Hadith refers to someone who deliberately goes against the truth, denying it or refusing to accept it. It implies a conscious act of defiance and rebellion against the truth. Such a person knowingly rejects the guidance and teachings of Allah, choosing to follow their own desires and whims instead.

The word (the truth) "الحَقَّ" in this Hadith refers to the ultimate truth, which is the divine guidance and revelation from Allah. It encompasses the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is the path of righteousness, justice, and morality that leads to the pleasure of Allah and the well-being of humanity.

To understand the gravity of opposing the truth and taking Allah as one's adversary, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:257):

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light.

This verse highlights the divine support and protection that believers receive from Allah when they adhere to the truth. Conversely, those who oppose the truth distance themselves from Allah's guidance and mercy, making Him their adversary.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of opposing the truth is found in Surah Yunus (10:35):

Say, 'Is there of your 'partners' any who guides to the truth?' Say, 'Allah guides to the truth. So is He who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed or he who guides not unless he is guided? Then what is [wrong] with you - how do you judge?'

This verse emphasizes that only Allah can guide to the truth, and those who oppose it are following misguided paths. They have chosen to take Allah as their adversary by rejecting His guidance and following their own flawed judgment.

Opposing the truth not only leads to estrangement from Allah, but it also has severe consequences in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah warns:

But if they turn away, [O Muhammad], say, 'Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.'

This verse highlights the unwavering reliance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) on Allah, even in the face of opposition. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that no matter how many adversaries they may face, Allah's support and protection are sufficient.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that opposing the truth is a grave offense. It is a conscious act of rebellion against Allah's guidance and wisdom. By doing so, one takes Allah as their adversary, distancing themselves from His mercy and protection. The consequences of opposing the truth are not only spiritual but also have implications in this world and the hereafter. Muslims are reminded to seek the truth, embrace it, and align themselves with the divine guidance to attain Allah's favor and protection. May Allah guide us all to the truth and protect us from opposing it.