Hadith #1591

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ما أقْبَحَ الباطِلَ۔" which translates to

How ugly falsehood is!

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to recognize the repulsiveness of falsehood.

To understand the significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (batil) "باطِلَ" refers to falsehood, deceit, or anything that is devoid of truth and righteousness. It encompasses lies, hypocrisy, and all forms of deception that lead individuals away from the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quranic verses support the exegesis of this Hadith and emphasize the repugnance of falsehood. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:42)

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

This verse highlights the importance of upholding the truth and not distorting it with falsehood. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to always seek and speak the truth, for falsehood is indeed repulsive.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 17:81)

And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of falsehood and its inevitable departure. It reassures Muslims that the truth will always prevail over falsehood, no matter how prevalent it may seem.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to stay steadfast on the path of truth and righteousness. It urges us to reject falsehood in all its forms and to strive for honesty, integrity, and sincerity in our words and actions.

The consequences of embracing falsehood are detrimental both individually and collectively. Falsehood leads to confusion, division, and the erosion of trust among individuals and communities. It hinders personal growth, impedes the pursuit of knowledge, and distances us from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, adhering to the truth brings about numerous benefits. It fosters unity, harmony, and trust within society. It allows for personal and spiritual growth, as the pursuit of truth leads to a deeper understanding of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine wisdom. It also strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and grants us His blessings and guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a call to action for all Muslims. It reminds us to be vigilant in recognizing and rejecting falsehood in all its forms. It encourages us to seek knowledge, uphold the truth, and strive for righteousness in our daily lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of truth and protect us from the allure of falsehood. May we always strive to emulate the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the noble examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Ameen.