Hadith #5031

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims regarding the consequences of evil conduct, oppressive authority, and the infringement upon the rights of others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (Woe be) "وَيْلٌ". This term denotes a state of severe distress, punishment, or regret. It is used in the Quran to describe the consequences of sinful actions and the punishment that awaits those who transgress the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:29), Allah warns:

And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him.

This emphasizes the gravity of the consequences that await those who engage in evil conduct.

The next important word is (evil) "ساءَتْ". This term refers to actions that are morally wrong, harmful, or corrupt. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns evil deeds and urges believers to strive for righteousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah says:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This highlights the importance of maintaining good conduct and avoiding evil actions.

The third significant word is (conduct) "سيرَتُهُ". This term encompasses a person's behavior, actions, and way of life. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct and warns against following the path of those who engage in evil. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, saying:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This highlights the significance of adopting a noble and virtuous conduct in all aspects of life.

The next word to explore is (oppressive) "جارَتْ". This term refers to the abuse of power and authority, where one uses their position to oppress and exploit others. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) explicitly condemns oppression and injustice. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah commands:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

The final word to examine is (tyrannizes and infringes upon the rights) "تَجَبَّرَ وَ اعْتَدى۔". This phrase highlights the act of exerting excessive control and authority over others, leading to the violation of their rights and freedoms. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against transgressing the limits and encroaching upon the rights of others. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah says:

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights and possessions of others, and not using positions of authority for personal gain or to oppress others.

In light of these Quranic verses, the exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) becomes clear. The Hadith serves as a warning against engaging in evil conduct, oppressive authority, and the infringement upon the rights of others. It reminds Muslims of the severe consequences that await those who choose such paths. It calls upon individuals to strive for righteousness, to treat others with fairness and justice, and to refrain from abusing positions of authority.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of embodying the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly his knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali's profound understanding of the Quran and his exemplary conduct serve as a guiding light for Muslims in navigating their personal and societal interactions. By following in his footsteps, Muslims can strive to create a just and compassionate society, free from oppression and injustice.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to uphold righteous conduct, to treat others with fairness and justice, and to refrain from engaging in evil actions or abusing positions of authority. May we always seek the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our journey towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).