Hadith #8470

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 highlights three types of individuals who are despised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) - the pauper who is haughty, the elderly fornicator, and the immoral scholar. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first category mentioned is

the pauper who is haughty

or "الفَقِيرُ المَزْهُوُّ" in Arabic. The term "pauper" refers to someone who is financially poor and lacks material wealth. However, what makes this individual detestable in the sight of Allah is their arrogance and pride. Despite their humble circumstances, they display a sense of superiority and look down upon others. This arrogance contradicts the essence of true poverty, which is humility and reliance on Allah.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against arrogance in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and refraining from belittling others based on their social status or material possessions. The pauper who is haughty fails to embody this humility and is thus despised by Allah.

The second category mentioned is "the elderly fornicator" or "الشَّيْخُ الزَّانِ" in Arabic. This refers to an elderly person who engages in immoral sexual acts. The mention of age here is significant because it highlights the wisdom and life experience that comes with old age. An elderly person should be a source of guidance and righteousness, but when they indulge in sinful behavior, it is a grave betrayal of their responsibilities.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of chastity and purity in the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse clearly prohibits any form of illicit sexual activity. The elderly fornicator not only violates this commandment but also tarnishes their own reputation and the trust placed in them due to their age and wisdom.

The third category mentioned is "the immoral scholar" or "العَالِمُ الفَاجِرُ" in Arabic. This refers to a person who possesses knowledge but uses it for immoral purposes or engages in sinful behavior. Knowledge is a gift from Allah and should be used to seek His pleasure and benefit humanity. However, when a scholar uses their knowledge to manipulate others, spread falsehood, or engage in sinful acts, they betray the trust placed in them and become detestable in the sight of Allah.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of using knowledge for good and righteousness. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge and emphasizes the responsibility that comes with it. The immoral scholar not only misuses their knowledge but also misguides others, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights these three categories to remind us of the importance of humility, righteousness, and the proper use of knowledge. The pauper who is haughty, the elderly fornicator, and the immoral scholar all possess qualities that contradict the teachings of Islam and the guidance of the Quran. Their actions have severe consequences not only for themselves but also for society as a whole.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the opposite qualities - humility, chastity, and the proper use of knowledge. We should be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us, regardless of our material wealth. We should honor and respect the elderly, seeking their wisdom and guidance. And we should use our knowledge to promote truth, justice, and righteousness, benefiting ourselves and those around us.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from falling into these detestable traits and grant us the ability to embody humility, righteousness, and the proper use of knowledge. May He guide us on the straight path and enable us to be a source of goodness and guidance for others.