Hadith #6017

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.

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

إذا قَلَّتِ الطّاعاتُ كَثُرَتِ السَّيِّئاتُ۔

This can be translated as,

When acts of obedience diminish, wrongdoings increase.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the direct relationship between the decrease in acts of obedience and the subsequent increase in wrongdoings.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (ta'at) "طاعات" refers to acts of obedience, which encompass all actions that are in accordance with the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These acts include prayers, fasting, charity, and other righteous deeds. On the other hand, the word (sayyiat) "سيئات" refers to wrongdoings or sins, which are actions that go against the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith draws our attention to the cause-and-effect relationship between acts of obedience and wrongdoings. When the frequency and sincerity of acts of obedience decrease among Muslims, it creates a spiritual void that is filled by an increase in wrongdoings. This is because acts of obedience are a means of seeking Allah's pleasure and protection from sin. When Muslims neglect their obligations and responsibilities towards Allah, they become susceptible to the temptations of Shaytan and the allure of sinful actions.

The Quranic verses provide ample evidence to support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:96),

And if the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.

This verse highlights the correlation between belief, fear of Allah, and the blessings that follow. When people deny the messengers and turn away from obedience, they are seized with the consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Rum (30:41), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].

This verse emphasizes that corruption and wrongdoing are a result of the actions of people. When people deviate from acts of obedience, corruption spreads, and they face the consequences of their deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of maintaining a consistent and sincere practice of acts of obedience. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into the trap of wrongdoings and sins. It is crucial to reflect on our own lives and assess the level of our obedience to Allah's commands. If we find a decline in our acts of obedience, we must strive to rectify our actions and increase our devotion to Allah.

The consequences of neglecting acts of obedience are far-reaching. Not only do we distance ourselves from the mercy and blessings of Allah, but we also become susceptible to the harmful effects of wrongdoings. These wrongdoings not only harm our own spiritual well-being but also have a negative impact on society as a whole. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as Muslims to constantly strive towards increasing our acts of obedience and decreasing our wrongdoings.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize acts of obedience in their lives. By understanding the cause-and-effect relationship between acts of obedience and wrongdoings, we can strive to maintain a consistent practice of righteousness. Let us reflect on our own actions and make a conscious effort to increase our acts of obedience, seeking Allah's pleasure and protection from sin. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from wrongdoings.