Hadith #4152

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

إنَّ أسْوَءَ المَعاصي مَغَبَّةً ألْغَيُّ۔

This can be translated as,

Verily the vice with the worst of consequences is error [and misguidance].

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aswa) "أسْوَءَ" in this Hadith refers to the worst or most severe form of something. It emphasizes the gravity and severity of the vice being discussed. The word (ma'asi) "مَعاصي" refers to sins or acts of disobedience towards Allah. It encompasses all actions that go against the commandments of Allah and His Prophet (ﷺ). The word (maghbah) "مَغَبَّةً" means consequence or outcome, while (alghayy) "ألْغَيُّ" means error or misguidance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:26),

Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What did Allah intend by this as an example?' He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the concept of misguidance and error. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions that He misleads those who are defiantly disobedient. This serves as a warning to Muslims that engaging in acts of disobedience can lead to misguidance and error. It is a reminder that the consequences of sin are severe and can lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who have believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans - those who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness and obedience to Allah. It highlights that those who believe and do good deeds will be rewarded by Allah, and they will have no fear or grief.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that the worst consequence of any sin is the potential to be led astray and misguided. This misguidance can distance us from the path of righteousness and cause us to lose the favor and guidance of Allah. It is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we must strive to avoid sin and seek forgiveness for our mistakes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. Through this Hadith, he emphasizes the severity of error and misguidance, urging Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their actions. It serves as a reminder to seek knowledge, adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet (ﷺ), and strive for righteousness in order to avoid the worst consequences of sin.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the straight path and protect us from error and misguidance. May He grant us the wisdom to understand the gravity of our actions and the strength to avoid sin. Ameen.