Hadith #9794

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A tyrant ruler and an immoral scholar are the most harmful of all people.

This beautiful saying highlights the destructive nature of two specific individuals - a ruler who abuses his power and a scholar who lacks moral integrity.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their significance. The word "sultan" refers to a ruler or authority figure, while "ja'ir" denotes a tyrant or oppressor. This emphasizes the negative impact of a ruler who uses his authority unjustly, causing harm and suffering to his subjects.

The term "alim" refers to a scholar or a person of knowledge, and "fajir" describes someone who is immoral or wicked. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the danger posed by a scholar who possesses knowledge but lacks moral character. Such an individual may use their knowledge to misguide others, leading them astray and causing harm to the community.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205),

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

This verse highlights the danger of an immoral scholar who, despite being reminded of Allah's commandments, persists in their wrongdoing due to arrogance and pride.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) addresses the scholars who deviated from the path of righteousness, saying,

Why do the rabbis and the scholars not forbid them from saying what is sinful and devouring what is unlawfully acquired? How wretched is what they have been practicing.

This verse serves as a reminder that scholars have a responsibility to guide the people towards righteousness and to condemn immoral actions, rather than engaging in them themselves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the grave consequences of the actions of a tyrant ruler and an immoral scholar. A tyrant ruler, through his abuse of power, can cause immense suffering and injustice to his subjects. Similarly, an immoral scholar, by using his knowledge to misguide others, can lead them astray from the path of righteousness and contribute to the moral decay of society.

The motivation behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is to caution Muslims against blindly following those in positions of authority or scholars who lack moral integrity. It serves as a reminder to seek knowledge from those who not only possess knowledge but also embody moral values and righteousness. Muslims should be vigilant in recognizing and rejecting the harmful influence of tyrant rulers and immoral scholars, as their actions can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the dangers posed by a tyrant ruler and an immoral scholar. It urges Muslims to be discerning in their choice of leaders and scholars, seeking individuals who possess both knowledge and moral character. By doing so, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the harm caused by those who abuse their power or misguide others through their knowledge. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from the influence of those who harm others.