Hadith #6418

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a powerful statement that highlights the consequences faced by those who oppose and harm the Prophets and messengers of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks about the people of the cities of Rass, who not only killed the Prophets but also extinguished the light of the Messengers.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word "أهْلُ" refers to the people or inhabitants of a place, while "مَدائِنِ" means cities. The term "الرَّسِّ" is derived from the root word "رَسَّ" which means to send or dispatch. In this context, it refers to the Prophets who were sent by Allah to guide humanity. The phrase "النَّبِيِّينَ" refers to the Prophets, and "المُرْسَلينَ" refers to the Messengers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the gravity of the actions committed by the people of the cities of Rass. By asking "Where are they?", he draws attention to the fact that their fate has been sealed due to their heinous crimes against the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:91),

And when it is said to them, 'Believe in what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'We believe [only] in what was revealed to us.' And they disbelieve in what came after it, while it is the truth confirming that which is with them. Say, 'Then why did you kill the Prophets of Allah before, if you are [indeed] believers?'

This verse highlights the disbelief and arrogance of those who rejected the message of the Prophets. They claimed to believe in what was revealed to them but rejected the subsequent revelations. This rejection led them to not only disbelieve but also to kill the Prophets who were sent to guide them. Such actions extinguished the light of guidance that the Messengers brought.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of opposing the Prophets is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:157), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Or lest you say, 'If only the Scripture had been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they.' So there has [now] come to you a clear evidence from your Lord and a guidance and mercy. Then who is more unjust than one who denies the verses of Allah and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our verses with the worst of punishment for their having turned away.

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting the guidance sent by Allah. Those who deny the verses of Allah and turn away from them will face severe punishment. The people of the cities of Rass, who killed the Prophets and extinguished the light of the Messengers, are a prime example of those who turned away from the signs and messages of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the consequences of opposing the Prophets and Messengers. It highlights the severity of their actions and the punishment that awaits them. It also serves as a call to reflect on our own actions and ensure that we align ourselves with the guidance of Allah and His chosen messengers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the consequences faced by those who oppose and harm the Prophets and messengers of Allah. It serves as a reminder to all Muslims to recognize and accept the guidance sent by Allah and to avoid the path of those who killed the Prophets and extinguished the light of the Messengers. May we all strive to follow the teachings of the Prophets and Messengers and seek their intercession on the Day of Judgment.