Hadith #9492

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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 highlights the state of society and the moral decline that occurs during certain periods. Let us delve into the meaning of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (zahara) "ظَهَرَ", which means "to emerge" or "to become apparent." It refers to the evil people who have become prominent and visible in society. This emergence of evil is a sign of moral decay and corruption. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the existence of such individuals:

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:11-12)

And when it is said to them, 'Do not cause corruption on the earth,' they say, 'We are but reformers.' Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not.

The second word is (batana) "بَطَنَ", which means "to hide" or "to conceal." It refers to the righteous people who, due to the prevailing corruption, choose to hide their true beliefs and values. They protect themselves from the negative influences of society and safeguard their faith. The Quran encourages believers to seek refuge in Allah and remain steadfast in their righteousness:

(Surah Fussilat, 41:30)

Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'

The third word is (fada) "فاضَ", which means "to overflow" or "to abound." It describes the abundance of falsehood and deception in society. Falsehood has become widespread, leading to confusion and distortion of the truth. The Quran warns us about the consequences of spreading falsehood:

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:42)

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

The fourth word is (ghada) "غاضَ", which means "to diminish" or "to decrease." It refers to the diminishing presence of truth in society. The prevalence of falsehood and the hiding of righteous individuals result in a decline in the influence of truth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of upholding the truth:

(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking Hadith highlights the challenges faced by Muslims in a society where evil is prominent, righteousness is hidden, falsehood abounds, and truth diminishes. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and uphold the principles of truth and righteousness, even in the face of adversity.

The consequences of the emergence of evil and the diminishing presence of truth can be seen in the moral decay and corruption that permeate society. It is essential for Muslims to recognize these signs and strive to counteract them through their actions and adherence to the teachings of Islam. By embodying the values of truth, justice, and righteousness, Muslims can contribute to the restoration of a just and virtuous society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the teachings of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and his words continue to guide and inspire Muslims today. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and combat the evils of society, and may He increase us in knowledge and righteousness.