Hadith #9442

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes a time that will come upon the people, a time of great corruption and moral decay. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in the light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (mahilu) "ماحِلُ", which means the slanderer or the one who spreads false accusations. This indicates that in this time, individuals who engage in spreading falsehoods and slandering others will be given high positions and authority. This is a grave deviation from the principles of justice and truthfulness that Islam upholds.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the consequences of spreading false accusations. In Surah An-Nur (24:4), Allah says,

And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of evidence and the severe punishment for those who falsely accuse others.

The next word to be explored is (fajir) "فاجِرُ", which refers to the corrupt or wicked individuals. In this time, people will consider those who are cunning and deceitful as witty and intelligent. This highlights the moral decline of society, where dishonesty and immorality are celebrated instead of condemned.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us against following the path of the wicked. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), Allah says,

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse reminds us to stay away from sinful activities and to seek righteousness instead.

The third word to be examined is (munṣif) "مُنْصِفُ", which refers to the just or fair individuals. In this time, the just people will be regarded as weak and powerless. This indicates a disregard for justice and fairness, where those who uphold these principles are marginalized and overlooked.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah says,

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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us of the obligation to stand for justice, even in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the mindset of the people in this time. They will consider charity as a loss, viewing it as a burden rather than a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah. This highlights the materialistic and self-centered nature of society, where people prioritize their own wealth and comfort over the needs of others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity and giving. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse reminds us that true righteousness lies in giving to those in need, regardless of our attachment to wealth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions that in this time, people will view maintaining ties with relatives as an obligation rather than a virtue. This indicates a lack of empathy and compassion, where familial bonds are reduced to mere obligations rather than sources of love and support.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties. In Surah An-Nisa (4:1), Allah says,

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse reminds us of the unity of humanity and the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes that in this time, people will view worship as a means of gaining superiority over others. This highlights the spiritual decline of society, where acts of worship are performed for the sake of show and personal gain, rather than seeking closeness to Allah.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the sincerity and purity of intention in worship. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61), Allah says,

And there is no deity except Allah. So worship Him, being sincere to Him in religion. Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse reminds us that true worship is solely for the sake of Allah and should not be tainted by seeking worldly gains or recognition.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating that in this time, vain desires will overcome the people, and guidance will disappear from among them. This highlights the spiritual and moral decline of society, where people are driven by their base desires and are devoid of true guidance.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of following our desires. In Surah An-Najm (53:32), Allah says,

Then leave Me alone with whoever denies the Qur'an. We will progressively lead them [to punishment] from where they do not know. And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.

This verse reminds us of the consequences of turning away from guidance and following our own desires.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims of the challenges and trials that may befall us in the future. It highlights the importance of upholding justice, truthfulness, charity, family ties, and sincere worship. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of materialism, corruption, and following our base desires. May Allah guide us and protect us from the moral decay of society, and may we always strive to embody the teachings of Islam in our lives.