Hadith #1576

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الباطِلُ يَزِلُّ بِراكِبِهِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Falsehood [is like a mount that] makes its rider stumble.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (al-batil) "الباطِلُ" refers to falsehood, deceit, or anything that is devoid of truth and righteousness. It encompasses lies, deception, and all forms of dishonesty. The word (yazillu) "يَزِلُّ" means to stumble, falter, or lose balance. It implies that falsehood has inherent instability and leads to the downfall of its adherents.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truth and warns against falsehood. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 81, Allah says,

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

This verse affirms that falsehood is transient and will eventually be exposed and defeated.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69, Allah states,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in our actions. Those who strive for the truth will be guided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that falsehood may appear attractive and promising, but it ultimately leads to instability and downfall. Just as a mount that is built on falsehood will cause its rider to stumble, falsehood in any aspect of life will eventually lead to negative consequences.

For example, in personal relationships, dishonesty and deceit can erode trust and destroy the foundation of a healthy bond. In business transactions, falsehood and deception can lead to financial loss and legal consequences. In matters of faith, following false ideologies can lead one astray from the path of righteousness and ultimately result in spiritual ruin.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of falsehood. He urges us to seek the truth and adhere to it firmly, for it is only through truthfulness and righteousness that we can attain stability and success in this world and the hereafter.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to embody the values of truth and honesty in our daily lives. We should be cautious of the temptations of falsehood and always seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to recognize and reject falsehood, and may He guide us to the path of truth and righteousness.