Hadith #4048

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ أفْسَدَ دينَهُ أفْسَدَ مَعادَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who corrupts his faith corrupts his Hereafter.

In this enlightening saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inseparable connection between one's faith and their ultimate destiny in the Hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word (corrupts) "أفْسَدَ" refers to the act of causing harm, damage, or destruction. It implies deviating from the right path and introducing elements that lead to spiritual decay. The word (his faith) "دينَهُ" encompasses one's belief system, religious practices, and moral conduct. It represents the core principles and values that guide a person's life. Lastly, the word (his Hereafter) "مَعادَهُ" refers to the afterlife, the eternal abode where individuals will be held accountable for their actions in this world.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the divine book of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of faith and its impact on the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 217, Allah says,

And they ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, 'Fighting therein is a great sin, but averting people from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing.' And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter. And those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

This verse highlights the severity of corrupting one's faith by turning away from the religion of Islam. It warns that those who abandon their faith and die as disbelievers will face dire consequences in both this world and the Hereafter. Their deeds will be rendered worthless, and they will be destined for the eternal punishment of the Fire.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 103-104, Allah says,

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'

These verses highlight the delusion of those who corrupt their faith. They may engage in worldly pursuits and believe that they are doing well, but in reality, their efforts are in vain and will not benefit them in the Hereafter. Their misguided actions lead to their own loss and downfall.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the profound consequences of corrupting one's faith. It emphasizes that faith is not merely a superficial label or a set of rituals, but a comprehensive system that shapes our beliefs, actions, and character. When one deviates from the true teachings of Islam, they jeopardize their spiritual well-being and their ultimate destiny in the Hereafter.

By corrupting their faith, individuals distance themselves from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and they become susceptible to the destructive influences of the world. They may be deceived by their own desires, misguided ideologies, or the temptations of this worldly life. As a result, they lose sight of their purpose and fail to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings.

The consequences of corrupting one's faith extend beyond the individual. It can have a ripple effect on society, leading to moral decay, injustice, and the erosion of values. When people abandon the principles of Islam, they open the door to corruption, oppression, and chaos. This can be seen throughout history and in the present day, where societies that have strayed from the path of faith suffer from various social, economic, and moral crises.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to safeguard their faith and protect it from corruption. It highlights the inseparable connection between faith and the Hereafter, emphasizing that one's ultimate destiny is determined by the state of their faith. By adhering to the teachings of Islam, Muslims can ensure their spiritual well-being and strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the right path and protect us from the corruption of our faith.