Hadith #2648

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his progeny, and his companions.

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

مَنْ نَكَبَ عَنِ الحَقِّ ذُمَّ عاقِبَتُهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

One who deviates from the truth, his end is dispraised.

Let us analyze the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (nakaba) "نَكَبَ" means to deviate or turn away from the truth. It implies a deliberate act of straying from the path of righteousness and abandoning the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (al-haqq) "الحَقِّ" refers to the truth, which encompasses the teachings of Islam as revealed in the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

To understand the consequences of deviating from the truth, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:120),

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, 'Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.' If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the truth and not deviating from it. It highlights the consequences of following the desires and beliefs of others, rather than following the guidance of Allah. Those who deviate from the truth are left without the protection and assistance of Allah, which ultimately leads to a dispraised end.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:116), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse warns against blindly following the majority, as they often lead people astray from the path of truth. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and adhering to the teachings of Allah, rather than succumbing to the misguided beliefs and assumptions of others. Those who deviate from the truth are not only misled themselves but also become a source of misguidance for others.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the dire consequences of deviating from the truth. When a person strays from the path of righteousness and abandons the guidance of Allah, they not only face a dispraised end in this world but also in the hereafter.

Deviation from the truth can manifest in various forms, such as following false ideologies, engaging in sinful actions, or neglecting the obligations prescribed by Islam. It is crucial for Muslims to constantly seek knowledge, understand the teachings of the Quran, and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from the perils of deviation and ensure a praiseworthy end.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to stay steadfast on the path of truth and righteousness. It warns against the consequences of deviating from the guidance of Allah and emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, adhering to the teachings of Islam, and avoiding the influence of misguided beliefs and desires. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from deviation.