Hadith #2678

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound consequences of rejecting the truth and failing to adhere to guidance. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word of significance in this Hadith is (haqq) "حَقُّ", which translates to "truth" or "reality." In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking and adhering to the truth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 42, Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes the obligation upon Muslims to distinguish between truth and falsehood and to always uphold the truth.

The second word of importance is (batil) "باطِلُ", which means "falsehood" or "invalid." In the Quran, Allah warns against following falsehood and its detrimental consequences. In Surah Al-An'am, verse 116, Allah says,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse reminds Muslims of the dangers of blindly following falsehood and the importance of seeking the truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that one who is not benefitted by the truth is harmed by falsehood. This highlights the inherent value and benefits of embracing the truth. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the blessings and rewards that come with adhering to the truth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 25, Allah says,

But give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow.

This verse reminds Muslims that the truth leads to ultimate success and eternal bliss.

The Hadith also states that one who is not set straight by guidance is dragged down by misguidance. This emphasizes the importance of seeking and following guidance in order to avoid falling into misguidance. In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance and the consequences of straying from it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah says,

Take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (consciousness of Allah). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse reminds Muslims that true guidance comes from Allah, and it is through seeking His guidance that one can avoid misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of seeking and adhering to the truth, as well as the dire consequences of rejecting guidance. It highlights the need for continuous self-reflection, seeking knowledge, and aligning one's actions with the teachings of Islam. By embracing the truth and following guidance, Muslims can protect themselves from the harms of falsehood and misguidance, and ultimately attain success in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the truth and grant us the ability to adhere to His guidance.