مَنْ عانَدَ الحَقَّ قَتَلَهُ (صَرَعَهُ)۔
One who opposes the truth is killed (or thrown down) by it.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Truth)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
مَنْ عانَدَ الحَقَّ قَتَلَهُ (صَرَعَهُ)۔
This can be translated as,
One who opposes the truth is killed (or thrown down) by it.
In this Hadith, there are two important words that require our attention. The first word is (opposes) "عانَدَ" which comes from the root word "عَنَدَ" meaning to resist, oppose, or go against. The second word is (the truth) "الحَقَّ" which refers to the ultimate reality, the divine truth that is in accordance with the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:36),
Indeed, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to avert [people] from the way of Allah. So they will spend it; then it will be for them a [source of] regret; then they will be overcome.
This verse highlights the consequence of opposing the truth. Those who oppose the truth and spend their wealth to hinder the path of Allah will ultimately face regret and be overcome by the truth.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qamar (54:48), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
Indeed, We have made this [Quran] easy, in your tongue, that they may be reminded. So watch, [O Muhammad]; indeed, they are watching [for your end].
This verse emphasizes the ease with which the truth is presented to humanity through the Quran. It serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant and aware of the consequences of opposing the truth.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound insight into the nature of truth and its impact on those who oppose it. When one goes against the truth, they are essentially going against the divine order and the laws set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such opposition is not only futile but also leads to destruction and downfall.
Just as a person who stands against a powerful force is eventually defeated, one who opposes the truth will face a similar fate. The truth has an inherent power that cannot be overcome. It is like a force that throws down or kills those who try to resist it. This can be understood metaphorically as the truth prevailing over falsehood, righteousness triumphing over wickedness, and justice overpowering injustice.
The consequences of opposing the truth are not limited to this world alone. In the hereafter, those who persistently oppose the truth will face severe punishment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:26),
Then it is Our job to call them to account.
This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will hold everyone accountable for their actions, especially those who oppose the truth.
Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of aligning ourselves with the truth and avoiding any form of opposition to it. As Muslims, it is our duty to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of the Quran, and follow the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. By doing so, we can ensure that we are on the right path and protected from the consequences of opposing the truth.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the truth, grant us the wisdom to recognize it, and protect us from any form of opposition to it. May we strive to be steadfast in our faith and actions, and may our lives be a reflection of the truth.
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