Hadith #2643

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أبْدى صَفْحَتَهُ لِلْحَقِّ هَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who shows his face [in opposition] to the truth is destroyed.

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

The word (abda) "أبْدَى" in the Hadith refers to someone who openly displays or reveals their face, indicating their true intentions or beliefs. It signifies a person who does not conceal their opposition to the truth, but rather openly manifests it.

The term (safhatahu) "صَفْحَتَهُ" means one's face or countenance. In this context, it symbolizes a person's outward appearance, actions, and behavior. It represents how one presents themselves to the world and how they interact with others.

The word (lil-haqqi) "لِلْحَقِّ" refers to the truth. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking and adhering to the truth. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

Now, let us explore the enlightening message behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. This Hadith highlights the dire consequences that await those who openly oppose the truth and display their opposition for all to see. It serves as a warning to Muslims, reminding them of the importance of aligning their actions and beliefs with the truth, as revealed in the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to be sincere in their pursuit of the truth and to avoid hypocrisy. He emphasizes that those who choose to oppose the truth openly are destined for destruction. This destruction can manifest in various ways, both in this world and in the hereafter.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of opposing the truth. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:257), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights how those who embrace the truth and align themselves with it will be guided and protected by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, those who choose to oppose the truth and display their opposition will face the consequences of their actions. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:39), Allah says,

And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

This verse serves as a reminder that those who persist in their opposition to the truth will face eternal punishment in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity in our actions and beliefs. It reminds us that true success lies in aligning ourselves with the truth and striving to live our lives in accordance with it. As Muslims, we should constantly evaluate our actions and ensure that they are in line with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the consequences of openly opposing the truth. It urges us to strive for sincerity, integrity, and alignment with the truth as revealed in the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the destruction that comes with opposing the truth.