Hadith #5173

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cause of destruction is polytheism.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be aware of the dangers of associating partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (هَلاك) "halaq" in Arabic refers to destruction, ruin, or perishing. It signifies a state of complete loss and devastation. The word (شِّرْكُ) "shirk" refers to polytheism or associating partners with Allah. It is the opposite of Tawheed, which is the belief in the Oneness of Allah.

To understand the gravity of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of Tawheed and warns against the consequences of shirk in several ayats.

One such ayat is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:151), where Allah says,

Say, 'Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.'

This ayat highlights the prohibition of associating partners with Allah and emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships with parents, avoiding immoralities, and preserving the sanctity of life. It serves as a comprehensive reminder of the principles that lead to a righteous and prosperous society.

Another relevant ayat is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:72), where Allah says,

They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary' while the Messiah has said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Indeed, he who associates others with Allah - Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.

This ayat highlights the severity of associating partners with Allah by mentioning the disbelief of those who claim that Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary. It emphasizes that those who commit shirk will be deprived of Paradise and will find their refuge in the Fire.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting ayats from the Quran, we can understand that polytheism is the ultimate cause of destruction and ruin. By associating partners with Allah, we undermine the fundamental principle of Tawheed and deviate from the path of righteousness.

Polytheism leads to a distorted understanding of the divine, which can result in misguided beliefs, practices, and actions. It can lead to the neglect of moral values, the oppression of others, and the erosion of societal harmony. Ultimately, it separates us from the mercy and guidance of Allah, leaving us vulnerable to destruction in this world and the Hereafter.

As Muslims, it is essential for us to uphold the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and to guard against any form of polytheism. We must strive to deepen our knowledge of Allah's attributes, His commands, and His prohibitions. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of shirk and ensure a righteous and prosperous existence.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of Tawheed and protect us from the dangers of polytheism. May He grant us the wisdom to understand His message and the strength to adhere to it. Ameen.