Hadith #9831

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of seeking the favor of a ruler or a person in authority without observing proper etiquette. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that such a person moves out from a state of safety and security into harm and danger.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their implications. The word (khidmat) "خِدْمَةَ" refers to seeking the favor or service of someone in a position of power or authority. The term (as-sultan) "السُّلْطانِ" refers to a king or ruler. And the word (adab) "أدَب" signifies proper etiquette, manners, and respect.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of observing proper etiquette and manners when dealing with those in positions of authority. It reminds us that seeking favors or benefits from such individuals should not be done in a disrespectful or inappropriate manner. By doing so, one risks moving away from a state of safety and security and into harm and danger.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the importance of observing proper etiquette and manners in our interactions with others. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from insulting or ridiculing them. It teaches us that demeaning others based on their social status or position is not befitting of a believer. Similarly, seeking the favor of a ruler or person in authority should be done with humility and respect, without compromising our own principles and values.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reminds us to seek Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors, including our interactions with those in authority. It encourages us to approach such situations with firmness and integrity, seeking Allah's protection and assistance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain their dignity and principles when seeking the favor of those in power. It cautions against compromising one's values and integrity in the pursuit of personal gain or benefits. By adhering to proper etiquette and manners, we can navigate such situations with grace and integrity, ensuring that we do not move away from safety and security into harm and danger.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of observing proper etiquette and manners when seeking the favor of those in authority. It warns against compromising our principles and values in the pursuit of personal gain. By adhering to these teachings, we can maintain our integrity and ensure that we do not move away from safety and security into harm and danger. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always act with wisdom and respect in our interactions with others, and may He grant us success in this life and the hereafter.