Hadith #4186

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:

طاعَةُ المَعْصِيَةِ سَجِيَّةُ الهَلْكى۔

This can be translated into English as:

Submission to sin is the trait of the doomed.

Let us now delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (submission) "طاعَةُ" and (sin) "مَعْصِيَةِ".

The word (submission) "طاعَةُ" refers to obedience and compliance. It implies willingly and wholeheartedly following the commands and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is an act of surrendering one's will to the will of the Creator, acknowledging His authority and wisdom.

On the other hand, (sin) "مَعْصِيَةِ" refers to any act or behavior that goes against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is an act of disobedience and rebellion against the divine laws and principles set forth in the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that submitting to sin, that is, obeying and complying with sinful desires and actions, is the trait of the doomed. This amazing Hadith highlights the severe consequences and dangers of indulging in sinful behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:81):

Indeed, those who commit sin and become enveloped by their sins are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

This verse emphasizes the dire consequences of persisting in sinful behavior. Those who submit to sin and allow themselves to be consumed by it will be doomed to the punishment of the Hellfire. It serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious in avoiding sinful acts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous and their reward:

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It emphasizes the need to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, which includes abstaining from sinful actions. By adhering to this guidance, Muslims can attain success in this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of their actions and to strive for righteousness. It highlights the importance of resisting the temptations of sin and instead submitting to the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, Muslims can protect themselves from the destructive consequences of sinful behavior and strive for eternal success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the allure of sin. May we always strive to submit to His commandments and seek His forgiveness for any past transgressions. Ameen.