Hadith #8299

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,

دُوَلُ الفُجّارِ مَذَلَّةُ الأبْرارِ۔

This can be translated as,

The reign of the wicked is the [cause of] abasement of the virtuous.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in the light of the Quran. Firstly, let us understand the key words used in this Hadith.

1. دُوَلُ (Dawlah): This word refers to the reign or rule of a particular group or individuals. It signifies the authority and power they possess.

2. الفُجّارِ (Al-Fujjar): This term refers to the wicked or sinful individuals who transgress the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are those who persistently engage in evil deeds and disregard the commandments of Allah.

3. مَذَلَّةُ (Mazallat): This word denotes abasement, humiliation, or degradation. It signifies the state of being brought low or reduced in dignity and honor.

4. الأبْرارِ (Al-Abrar): This term refers to the virtuous or righteous individuals who strive to adhere to the commandments of Allah and lead a pious life. They are those who seek closeness to Allah through their righteous actions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:36),

Indeed, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to avert [people] from the way of Allah. So they will spend it; then it will be for them a [source of] regret; then they will be overcome. And those who have disbelieved - unto Hell they will be gathered.

This verse highlights the consequences of the wicked and their reign. The wicked individuals, who reject the guidance of Allah and engage in sinful acts, may accumulate wealth and power in this world. However, their wealth and authority will ultimately lead to regret and humiliation. They will be overcome by their own transgressions and will be gathered in Hell as a result of their disbelief.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that the virtuous individuals, who do not seek power and corruption in this world, will be granted a home in the Hereafter. They do not desire to be elevated in worldly matters, but rather focus on righteousness and obedience to Allah. The ultimate outcome and success belong to the righteous.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that the reign of the wicked leads to the abasement and humiliation of the virtuous. When the wicked individuals hold power and authority, they often use it to oppress and suppress those who strive to uphold righteousness and justice.

The virtuous individuals, who adhere to the teachings of Islam and seek to establish a just society, may face hardships and persecution under the rule of the wicked. Their efforts to promote goodness and righteousness may be met with resistance and opposition. However, it is important to remember that their ultimate success lies in the Hereafter, where they will be rewarded for their steadfastness and adherence to the path of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness, even in the face of adversity. It encourages us to strive for justice and goodness, knowing that the reign of the wicked is temporary and their abasement is inevitable. We should take solace in the fact that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge and that the righteous will be rewarded for their patience and perseverance.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations. May He guide us to follow the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.