Hadith #6256

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.

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

مَنْ كَثُرَ شَطَطُهُ كَثُرَ سَخَطُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose violations increase, his exasperation [also] increases.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (shatathu) "شَطَطُهُ" refers to violations or transgressions. It signifies the act of going beyond the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and engaging in actions that are prohibited or disliked in Islam. These violations can manifest in various forms, such as disobedience to Allah's commands, indulging in sinful behavior, or neglecting one's religious obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when a person's violations increase, their (sakhatuhu) "سَخَطُهُ", which means exasperation or anger, also increases. This implies that as one continues to transgress the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they will experience a growing sense of frustration, agitation, and displeasure.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205),

And when he turns away [from you], his effort in the land is to cause corruption therein and to destroy crops and livestock. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse highlights the consequences of violating Allah's commands. When a person persists in disobedience, they not only harm themselves but also contribute to corruption and destruction in society. This leads to a state of imbalance, disharmony, and displeasure from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:120), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not succumbing to the desires and whims of others. When one indulges in violations and deviates from the path of righteousness, they distance themselves from the protection and assistance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of increasing violations can be seen in both individual and societal levels. On an individual level, persistent transgressions lead to a sense of inner turmoil, guilt, and dissatisfaction. The more one strays from the path of righteousness, the more they distance themselves from the tranquility and contentment that comes from living in accordance with Allah's commands.

On a societal level, increasing violations contribute to the deterioration of moral values, social cohesion, and justice. When individuals prioritize their own desires over the well-being of others and disregard the principles of Islam, it leads to a breakdown in trust, harmony, and the overall welfare of the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for righteousness. It highlights the importance of adhering to the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and avoiding violations that can lead to exasperation and displeasure from Him.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon our own actions and seek to rectify any violations we may have committed. By doing so, we can restore our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), experience inner peace, and contribute to the betterment of society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from increasing violations that lead to exasperation. May He grant us the wisdom to recognize our mistakes, seek His forgiveness, and strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.