Hadith #8277

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, "الغَيُّ أشَرٌ۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as, "Deviation is insolence." Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-ghayy) "الغَيُّ" refers to deviation or straying away from the right path. It implies going astray from the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). It is important to note that deviation is not a trivial matter; rather, it is a grave sin that leads to spiritual and moral corruption. The word (ashar) "أشَرٌ۔" means evil or wickedness. Therefore, this Hadith conveys the message that deviation is an act of insolence and wickedness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against deviation in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 6:93)

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, 'It has been inspired to me,' while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, 'I will reveal [something] like what Allah revealed.' And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], 'Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.'

This verse highlights the severity of deviation and its consequences. Those who deviate from the truth and arrogantly claim to have received divine revelations will face humiliation and punishment. Deviation is not only a sin against Allah, but it is also an act of insolence and arrogance towards His divine guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 7:37)

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, 'It has been inspired to me,' while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, 'I will reveal [something] like what Allah revealed.' And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], 'Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.'

This verse emphasizes the injustice of inventing lies about Allah and claiming to have received divine revelations without any basis. Such actions are not only falsehoods but also acts of insolence and arrogance towards Allah's divine message. Deviation from the truth leads to spiritual corruption and distances individuals from the path of righteousness.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that deviation is not a mere mistake or error in judgment. It is a deliberate act of insolence and wickedness. Deviating from the teachings of Islam and straying away from the path of righteousness is a grave sin that has severe consequences. It leads to spiritual corruption, moral decay, and distances individuals from the mercy and guidance of Allah.

As Muslims, we must strive to stay steadfast on the straight path and avoid any form of deviation. We should seek knowledge, adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and follow the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we protect ourselves from the insolence of deviation and ensure our spiritual well-being in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the evil of deviation. Ameen.