Hadith #9843

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 advises Muslims not to desire to mingle with kings. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (khultati) "خُلْطَةِ" refers to mixing or associating oneself closely with someone. In this context, it refers to seeking close association with kings or rulers. The word (muluk) "مُلُوكِ" means kings or rulers. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against desiring such association because of the negative consequences that may arise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that kings tend to consider replying to salutations as excessive speech. This implies that they may not give due attention to the needs and concerns of their subjects. Their preoccupation with power and authority may lead them to neglect the responsibilities and obligations they have towards their people.

The second part of the Hadith states that kings consider striking the necks of people as insignificant punishment. This highlights their tendency to be harsh and oppressive in dealing with their subjects. They may resort to severe punishments without considering the principles of justice and fairness.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) that the noblest among us are those who have the most taqwa (God-consciousness). Seeking close association with kings may lead to compromising our principles and values in order to gain favor or protection. This can divert us from the path of righteousness and weaken our commitment to Allah.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:45) against seeking the judgment of tyrants and rulers who do not rule by the laws of Allah. Associating closely with kings may lead us to compromise our faith and submit to their unjust and oppressive systems.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their allegiance to Allah and His guidance over worldly power and authority. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining our integrity and upholding justice, even in the face of temptation or pressure from those in positions of authority.

By distancing ourselves from the allure of associating with kings, we can preserve our independence, uphold our principles, and work towards establishing a just society based on the teachings of Islam. This Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the potential pitfalls that come with seeking close association with rulers who may not prioritize justice and the well-being of their subjects.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern right from wrong, and the strength to uphold justice and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.