Hadith #8044

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-ghadr shīmatu al-li'ām," which translates to

Treachery is the quality of the wicked.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the characteristic of treachery and its association with the wicked individuals.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Ghadr" refers to treachery, betrayal, or deceit. It signifies the act of breaking trust and going against one's commitments. "Shīma" refers to a quality or attribute, while "li'ām" refers to the wicked or evil individuals.

In the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the importance of trustworthiness, loyalty, and honesty. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers to fulfill their promises and remain steadfast in their commitments. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1),

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse highlights the significance of upholding agreements and not engaging in treacherous behavior.

Furthermore, the Quran condemns treachery and deceit in various contexts. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:58), Allah warns against betraying one's allies during times of conflict, stating,

And if you fear treachery from a people, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms.

This verse demonstrates the importance of maintaining trust even in challenging circumstances.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to distance themselves from treacherous behavior. It highlights the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that treachery is not a characteristic of the virtuous and pious individuals.

Treachery has severe consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:204), Allah warns against betraying the trust placed upon us, stating,

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents. And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse highlights the treacherous nature of individuals who deceive others through their words and actions. Such individuals may appear righteous on the surface, but their true intentions are to cause harm and corruption. Their treachery not only affects individuals but also disrupts the harmony and well-being of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious of those who exhibit treacherous behavior. It urges us to uphold the values of trustworthiness, loyalty, and honesty, and to distance ourselves from the characteristics of the wicked.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the association between treachery and the wicked. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of trustworthiness and honesty, and to distance themselves from deceitful behavior. By adhering to these principles, we can strive to be righteous individuals and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the treachery of the wicked.