Hadith #9452

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his esteemed companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

آفَةُ الرَّعِيَّةِ مُخالَفَةُ الطّاعَةِ۔

This can be translated into English as:

The bane of the masses is disobedience [to the rightful ruler].

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (bane) "آفَةُ" refers to a destructive or harmful element that brings about ruin or calamity. (the masses) "الرَّعِيَّةِ" refers to the general population or community. And (disobedience [to the rightful ruler]) "مُخالَفَةُ الطّاعَةِ" signifies the act of going against the obedience and authority of a just leader.

This Hadith emphasizes the detrimental consequences of disobedience to a rightful ruler. It highlights the importance of adhering to the authority and leadership of those who are just and deserving of our obedience. By disobeying such leaders, the masses expose themselves to various afflictions and calamities that can lead to the disintegration and downfall of society.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. One such verse is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying not only Allah and His Messenger, but also those in positions of authority within the Muslim community. By obeying the rightful rulers, the masses ensure the stability and well-being of society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying:

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the importance of consultation and unity within the community. Disobedience to the rightful ruler disrupts this unity and leads to disarray and disintegration.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the significance of obedience to just leadership. It highlights the fact that disobedience to a rightful ruler can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the entire community. By adhering to the authority of a just leader, the masses ensure the preservation of social order, justice, and stability.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of Islamic principles and his exemplary leadership qualities made him a role model for all Muslims. His words in this Hadith reflect his profound insight into the consequences of disobedience and the importance of upholding the authority of a rightful ruler.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to obey and support those leaders who are just and deserving of our allegiance. By doing so, we contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our communities, and we uphold the teachings of Islam that emphasize unity, obedience, and social harmony. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to recognize and support just leadership.