Hadith #9845

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 against seeking the affection and friendship of kings and rulers. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims not to be deceived by the allure of power and authority, as those who hold such positions often betray and abandon their allies when it suits their interests.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةِ" refers to affection, love, or friendship. It signifies a deep emotional connection and loyalty. The term (al-muluk) "المُلُوكِ" refers to kings or rulers. It encompasses those who hold positions of power and authority.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims not to desire or seek the affection of kings. This is because, as the Hadith states, they will forsake you when you are most intimate with them and cut you off when you are closest to them. This warning highlights the fickle nature of those in positions of power. They may appear friendly and supportive, but their loyalty is often contingent upon their own interests.

To further understand the wisdom behind this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the transitory nature of worldly power and wealth. He says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that worldly possessions, including the favor of kings, are merely temporary adornments. True value lies in the enduring good deeds that we perform for the sake of Allah. Seeking the affection of kings may lead to temporary benefits, but it does not guarantee lasting happiness or success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:118), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cautions against relying on worldly alliances and friendships. He says,

O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing companions and allies wisely. It warns against placing trust in those who do not share our beliefs and values, as they may harbor ill intentions and ultimately bring harm upon us. Seeking the affection of kings falls into this category, as their loyalties are often driven by personal gain rather than genuine friendship.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound insight into the consequences of seeking the affection of kings. When one becomes intimately connected with those in power, they may become complacent and vulnerable. This vulnerability can be exploited by the rulers, who may then cut off ties and abandon their former allies when it suits their interests.

History is replete with examples of individuals who were betrayed by rulers after placing their trust in them. The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) serves as a powerful reminder of this lesson. Despite being favored by the king of Egypt, Yusuf's brothers plotted against him and cast him into a well. This betrayal occurred precisely when Yusuf was closest to the king and held a position of authority.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize their loyalty to Allah and His chosen representatives over worldly power and influence. It teaches us to be cautious of those who may offer temporary benefits but lack sincerity and genuine concern for our well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be wary of seeking the affection of kings and rulers. It highlights the transient nature of worldly power and the potential betrayal that can occur when one becomes intimately connected with those in authority. By prioritizing our loyalty to Allah and His chosen representatives, we can safeguard ourselves from the pitfalls of seeking validation from those who may not have our best interests at heart. May Allah guide us to make wise choices and protect us from the allure of worldly power.