Hadith #4542

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that the most despised of creatures in the sight of Allah is the old adulterer. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (shaikh) "شَّيخُ" in Arabic refers to an old person, specifically an elderly man. The word (az-zani) "الزَّانِي" refers to an adulterer, someone who engages in sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage.

To comprehend the gravity of this statement, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against adultery in multiple verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of engaging in any form of illicit sexual activity.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:2), Allah states,

The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day.

This verse highlights the severity of the punishment for those who commit adultery.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement sheds light on the consequences of such immoral behavior. Adultery is not only a violation of the sanctity of marriage but also a betrayal of trust and a disregard for the rights of others. It is a sin that tarnishes one's character, destroys families, and undermines the fabric of society.

The emphasis on the "old adulterer" in this Hadith is significant. It serves as a reminder that age does not exempt one from the consequences of their actions. The elderly, who are expected to be a source of wisdom and guidance, should be even more cautious in their behavior. Engaging in such immoral acts at an advanced age reflects a deep-rooted corruption of character and a complete disregard for the teachings of Islam.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their age, to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to guard themselves against the temptations of illicit relationships. It teaches us the importance of maintaining our moral integrity throughout our lives and the need to seek forgiveness and repentance for any past transgressions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate a strong sense of taqwa (God-consciousness) and self-discipline. We must remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of all our actions, and we will be held accountable for them. Let us seek forgiveness for any past mistakes and make a sincere effort to purify our hearts and minds from any impure thoughts or actions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from falling into sin. May He grant us the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to make choices that are pleasing to Him. Ameen.