Hadith #5168

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most harmful thing is polytheism.

Let us delve into the meaning and significance of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (shay) "شَيْء" in the Hadith refers to a thing or matter that possesses a certain quality or characteristic. In this context, it signifies something that is detrimental or harmful. The word (al-shirk) "الشِّرْكُ" translates to polytheism, which refers to associating partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in worship or belief.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the gravity of polytheism and its detrimental effects on an individual's spiritual well-being. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Luqman (31:13),

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his son while he was instructing him, 'O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is great injustice.'

This ayah highlights the enormity of the sin of polytheism, equating it with great injustice. Associating partners with Allah not only undermines the oneness of Allah but also leads to the distortion of one's understanding of the divine attributes and the true purpose of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:88), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

That is Allah, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is Disposer of all things.

This verse emphasizes the exclusive right of Allah to be worshipped and the futility of associating partners with Him. Polytheism diverts one's focus from the true Creator and places it on false deities or objects of worship, leading to spiritual confusion and deviation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound understanding he possessed regarding the harmful consequences of polytheism. Polytheism not only corrupts one's belief system but also has far-reaching implications in society. It leads to division, conflicts, and the erosion of moral values.

For instance, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:41), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like that of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.

This analogy draws attention to the fragility and weakness of relying on anything or anyone other than Allah. Just as a spider's web cannot provide true protection or stability, associating partners with Allah brings nothing but harm and vulnerability.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the utmost importance of maintaining the purity of monotheism in their beliefs and actions. It urges us to constantly examine our hearts and ensure that we do not fall into the trap of polytheism, whether in the form of idol worship or the worship of material possessions, power, or desires.

By recognizing the harmful nature of polytheism, we can strive to strengthen our faith in the oneness of Allah and deepen our understanding of His attributes. This understanding will guide us towards a life of righteousness, unity, and spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the detrimental effects of polytheism and the importance of upholding the oneness of Allah. It serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their belief and to guard against any form of association with Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the harms of polytheism and grant us the strength to worship Him alone.