Hadith #9006

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities and characteristics of a true leader who is entrusted with the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the statement,

The command of Allah, the Glorified, is not established [and executed] except by one who neither corrupts nor beguiles.

Here, the word (yuqīmu) "يُقيمُ" means to establish or execute. It refers to the responsibility of implementing and upholding the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of life. The one who is entrusted with this duty must possess certain qualities.

The first quality mentioned is that the leader should not corrupt or deceive. This means that he should be free from any form of dishonesty, manipulation, or exploitation. He should be a person of integrity and sincerity, upholding justice and fairness in all his actions. This quality is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

The second quality mentioned is that the leader should not be deceived by his own desires. This implies that he should not be swayed by personal interests or worldly temptations when making decisions. He should prioritize the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over his own desires. This is beautifully emphasized in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah?

The consequences of having a leader who possesses these qualities are immense. Such a leader will establish justice, uphold the rights of the people, and ensure the well-being of the society. He will not misuse his authority for personal gain or deceive the people for his own interests. Instead, he will be a source of guidance and inspiration, leading by example and striving for the betterment of the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary leadership of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice made him a beacon of guidance for the Muslim ummah. He never compromised his principles or allowed his desires to cloud his judgment. His actions were always in accordance with the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and he served as a role model for all Muslims, both Shia and Sunni.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities that a true leader should possess. By not corrupting, deceiving, or being deceived by desires, a leader can establish the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and guide the community towards righteousness. Let us strive to embody these qualities in our own lives and seek leaders who exemplify them, for they are the ones who can truly establish the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and bring about positive change in our societies. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.