Hadith #8035

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he asks a rhetorical question,

Who is more deceived than one who exchanges Allah, the Glorified, for other than Him?!

This statement highlights the grave error and foolishness of those who turn away from the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and instead give their devotion to anything or anyone else.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aghbanu) "أغْبَنُ" refers to being deceived or deluded. It implies a state of being misguided and led astray from the truth. (mimman) "مِمَّنْ" means "than one who" or

from the one who.

(ba'a) "باعَ" means to exchange or trade. And finally, (Allah, the Glorified) "اللّهَ سُبْحَانَهُ" refers to the Almighty, the One who is free from any imperfections and is exalted in His attributes.

To understand the gravity of this statement, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of worshipping Him alone and warns against associating partners with Him. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, Allah says,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the danger of giving our love and devotion to anything or anyone other than Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 3, Allah says,

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse exposes the fallacy of those who claim to worship intermediaries in order to get closer to Allah. It affirms that the true religion is solely for Allah and that He alone is the ultimate judge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the only one worthy of our worship and devotion. By exchanging Allah for anything else, we are not only deluding ourselves but also committing a grave sin. This can take various forms, such as idol worship, excessive love for material possessions, or blindly following individuals who claim to possess divine powers.

The consequences of exchanging Allah for other than Him are severe. It leads to spiritual emptiness, confusion, and a distorted understanding of the purpose of our existence. It also hinders our ability to attain true peace and contentment in this life and the hereafter. By redirecting our focus and devotion solely towards Allah, we align ourselves with the purpose for which we were created and experience the true fulfillment that comes from a sincere relationship with our Creator.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating our beliefs and actions. We must strive to ensure that our worship is directed solely towards Allah and that we do not fall into the trap of associating partners with Him. By seeking knowledge, understanding the Quran, and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can protect ourselves from being deceived and maintain a strong connection with Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not to exchange Him for anything or anyone else. By understanding the gravity of this statement and reflecting on the supporting Quranic verses, we can strive to purify our worship and strengthen our relationship with our Creator. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from any form of deception.