Hadith #4176

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالمَعصِيَةِ تَكُونُ الشَّقاءُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

It is through disobedience [to Allah] that wretchedness comes about.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (ma'asiyah) "مَعصِيَةِ", which refers to disobedience or rebellion against Allah's commands. Disobedience to Allah is a direct violation of His guidance and leads to spiritual and moral decay, resulting in wretchedness and misery.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the consequences of disobedience and the importance of obedience to Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a wretched life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse highlights that those who turn away from the remembrance of Allah will lead a miserable existence in this world and will face severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-A'raf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse emphasizes that those who neglect the remembrance of Allah will experience a life filled with sadness and despair.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the consequences of disobedience to Allah's commands. When individuals choose to go against the teachings of Islam and engage in sinful acts, they distance themselves from the path of righteousness and invite misery into their lives.

Disobedience to Allah can manifest in various forms, such as neglecting prayers, indulging in forbidden acts, or disregarding the rights of others. Each act of disobedience chips away at one's spiritual well-being and leads to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This wretchedness is not limited to the individual alone but can also affect their relationships, mental health, and overall sense of purpose.

Furthermore, the consequences of disobedience extend beyond this worldly life. On the Day of Resurrection, those who persist in disobedience will face the consequences of their actions. They will be held accountable for their choices and may find themselves deprived of the blessings and mercy of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive for obedience to Allah and to avoid the path of disobedience. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings, we can attain true happiness and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the correlation between disobedience to Allah and wretchedness. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize obedience and to avoid actions that distance them from the path of righteousness. By reflecting on the consequences of disobedience and striving for obedience, we can lead a life filled with contentment, peace, and the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the perils of disobedience.