Hadith #2636

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous believers until the Day of Judgment.

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

مَنْ حارَبَ الحَقَّ حُرِبَ۔

which translates to,

One who battles against the truth is ruined.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of opposing the truth and engaging in a battle against it.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (haraba) "حارَبَ" means to fight or battle against, while (al-haqq) "الحَقَّ" refers to the truth. The word (huriba) "حُرِبَ" signifies ruin or destruction. Thus, the Hadith conveys a powerful message that those who choose to fight against the truth will ultimately face ruin and destruction.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adhering to the truth in several verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse highlights the obligation to uphold the truth and refrain from distorting it or hiding it.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah warns against following falsehood, stating,

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of falsehood and the ultimate triumph of truth.

The exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reveals profound insights. When a person chooses to battle against the truth, they are essentially opposing the divine guidance and wisdom that Allah has bestowed upon humanity. This battle can manifest in various forms, such as denying the existence of God, rejecting the teachings of Islam, or spreading falsehoods to deceive others.

Engaging in such a battle against the truth leads to ruin and destruction. This destruction can be both worldly and spiritual. Worldly consequences may include societal discord, moral degradation, and the erosion of values. Spiritually, it leads to a disconnection from Allah and a loss of guidance, resulting in a life devoid of purpose and fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to always seek the truth and align their actions with it. It urges us to be vigilant against the forces that seek to distort the truth and lead us astray. By embracing the truth and upholding it in our lives, we can attain success and salvation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims of the dire consequences of battling against the truth. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adhering to the truth, as guided by Allah in the Quran. By understanding and internalizing this message, we can strive to align our actions with the truth and avoid the path of ruin and destruction. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the temptations of falsehood.