Hadith #4770

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the outward gets corrupted, the inward also gets corrupted.

This wise utterance highlights the interconnectedness between our external actions and our internal state. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (fasad) "فَسَادِ" in Arabic refers to corruption, decay, or deterioration. It implies the deviation from the right path and the loss of integrity. When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions (al-'alaniyah) "العَلانِيَةِ", he is referring to the outward appearance or the external aspects of a person's character, conduct, and actions. This includes how we present ourselves to the world, our behavior, and our interactions with others.

The phrase (tafsud al-sirrah) "تَفْسُدُ السَّرِيرَةُ" translates to

the inward also gets corrupted.

Here, (al-sirrah) "السَّرِيرَةُ" refers to the innermost aspects of our being, our true character, intentions, and thoughts. It represents the hidden aspects of our personality that are not readily visible to others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness and integrity in the sight of Allah. It teaches us that true nobility lies in the purity of our hearts and the righteousness of our actions. When our outward behavior aligns with the values and principles of Islam, it reflects the purity and sincerity of our inner selves.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of sincere belief and righteous actions. It teaches us that true righteousness is not merely limited to external rituals or appearances but encompasses a comprehensive approach to life. It includes fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation, showing kindness and generosity to others, and maintaining patience and perseverance in times of difficulty.

When the outward aspects of our character become corrupted, it has a direct impact on our inward state. For example, if we engage in dishonesty, backbiting, or harmful behavior towards others, it not only tarnishes our reputation but also affects our inner conscience and spiritual well-being. Our hearts become hardened, and our connection with Allah weakens.

Conversely, when we strive to maintain integrity and righteousness in our outward actions, it positively influences our inner selves. It strengthens our faith, purifies our intentions, and enhances our relationship with Allah. Our hearts become illuminated with the light of guidance, and we are more inclined to seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to pay attention to both their outward behavior and their inward state. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam and maintaining sincerity and purity of heart. By doing so, we can strive towards righteousness and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from corruption in both our outward and inward selves.