Hadith #10654

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 describes a group of people who possess certain characteristics and engage in specific behaviors. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that these individuals

walk stealthily and tread slowly, hiding behind trees.

This description implies that they operate in a secretive and deceptive manner, concealing their true intentions and actions. Their approach is characterized by cunning and deceit, as they seek to manipulate others for their own benefit.

The Imam further explains that

their words are [like] a cure but their actions are incurable diseases.

This means that these individuals may present themselves as helpful and beneficial, offering solutions and remedies through their words. However, their actual actions are harmful and detrimental, causing harm and spreading corruption. They use their words as a facade to deceive others, while their true intentions and actions remain destructive.

To support this understanding, we can refer to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:204), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against those who speak eloquently but their actions do not align with their words. Allah says,

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity and consistency between one's words and actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by stating that these individuals

exchange praise [with each other] and come near each other through (or are careful of) reward.

This implies that they engage in mutual flattery and seek to gain favor and recognition from one another. Their interactions are driven by self-interest and the desire for personal gain, rather than genuine sincerity and righteousness.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:52), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against those who prioritize worldly gains and seek the approval of others. Allah says,

And you see those in whose hearts is disease hastening into [association with] them, saying, 'We are afraid a misfortune may strike us.' But perhaps Allah will bring conquest or a decision from Him, and they will become, over what they have been concealing within themselves, regretful.

This verse highlights the consequences of seeking worldly rewards and approval, as it leads to regret and disappointment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that these individuals

obtain what they covet by means of despair.

This means that they exploit the vulnerability and hopelessness of others to fulfill their own desires and ambitions. They take advantage of people's weaknesses and use them as a means to achieve their own selfish goals.

In Surah Yusuf (12:18), we find the story of Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his brothers, who plotted against him out of envy and jealousy. Allah says,

And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, 'Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe.'

This verse highlights the importance of patience and trust in Allah, rather than resorting to deceit and manipulation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating that these individuals

create doubts, they dissemble in their speech and when they speak they delude (or distort).

This means that they intentionally sow seeds of doubt and confusion through their deceptive speech. They manipulate words and twist meanings to mislead others and distort the truth.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:159), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises believers to speak straightforwardly and avoid ambiguity. Allah says,

Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture - those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse.

This verse emphasizes the importance of clarity and honesty in communication, as concealing the truth leads to divine condemnation.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who engage in deceitful practices and manipulate others for personal gain. It highlights the importance of sincerity, consistency, and honesty in our words and actions. May we strive to follow the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), seeking refuge in Allah from the characteristics described in this Hadith.