مَنْ نَصَرَ الباطِلَ خَسِرَ۔
One who assists falsehood faces loss.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Supporting Falsehood)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
مَنْ نَصَرَ الباطِلَ خَسِرَ۔
This can be translated as,
One who assists falsehood faces loss.
In order to deeply understand the beautiful message behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words.
The word (nasara) "نَصَرَ" means to assist, support, or aid. It implies actively participating in the promotion or defense of something. The word (al-batil) "الباطِلَ" refers to falsehood, deceit, or anything that contradicts the truth. It encompasses all forms of falsehood, whether it be in beliefs, actions, or words.
To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truth and warns against falsehood. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 81, Allah says,
And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'
This verse highlights the inherent transience and ultimate defeat of falsehood.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 62, Allah states,
That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.
Here, Allah affirms His own essence as the ultimate truth, while declaring everything besides Him as falsehood. This verse serves as a reminder that falsehood can never prevail over the truth.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith resonates with these Quranic teachings. It serves as a warning to Muslims that assisting falsehood, whether knowingly or unknowingly, will inevitably lead to loss. This loss can manifest in various ways, including spiritual, moral, and worldly consequences.
Assisting falsehood can lead to spiritual loss by distancing oneself from the path of truth and righteousness. It can corrupt one's beliefs and weaken their connection with Allah. Moreover, it can result in moral loss by compromising one's integrity, honesty, and ethical values. By supporting falsehood, individuals risk tarnishing their character and damaging their reputation.
In the worldly realm, assisting falsehood can have severe consequences. It can lead to the perpetuation of injustice, oppression, and corruption in society. History is replete with examples of individuals who supported falsehood and eventually faced the consequences of their actions. Their reputations were tarnished, their influence diminished, and their legacies marred by their association with falsehood.
Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are urged to be vigilant in discerning between truth and falsehood. They are reminded of their responsibility to uphold and promote the truth, even in the face of adversity. By aligning themselves with the truth and actively opposing falsehood, Muslims can safeguard their faith, preserve their moral values, and contribute to the betterment of society.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His words carry immense weight and serve as a guiding light for Muslims. Through this Hadith, he emphasizes the importance of standing firmly on the side of truth and warns against the dire consequences of supporting falsehood.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
One who assists falsehood faces loss
serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to always align themselves with the truth and actively oppose falsehood. By doing so, they can protect their faith, uphold their moral values, and contribute to the establishment of a just and righteous society. May Allah guide us all to the path of truth and protect us from the pitfalls of falsehood.
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