Hadith #9776

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Scheming is the practice of the mutinous.

This Hadith highlights the negative nature of scheming or plotting, describing it as a characteristic of those who are rebellious and disobedient. To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (مَكْرُ) "makr" refers to scheming, plotting, or devising plans with the intention to deceive or harm others. It involves cunning and craftiness, often done in a secretive manner. This word carries a negative connotation, as it implies dishonesty and manipulation.

The word (شِيمَةُ) "shimah" means the practice or habit of a person. It refers to a characteristic or trait that is consistently displayed by an individual. In this context, it signifies that scheming is not just an isolated act, but rather a recurring behavior.

The word (مَرَدَةِ) "mardah" translates to the mutinous or rebellious. It refers to those who defy authority, rebel against the established order, and engage in acts of disobedience. These individuals are not content with following the right path and instead seek to disrupt and undermine it.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the evils of scheming and plotting in several verses.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah says,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the contrast between the schemes of the disbelievers and the plans of Allah. While the disbelievers plotted against the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with malicious intent, Allah's plan ultimately prevailed. It serves as a reminder that no matter how cunning or crafty human schemes may be, they are insignificant in the face of Allah's divine plan.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:54), Allah says,

And they schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.

This verse refers to the plot of the disbelievers to crucify Prophet Jesus (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). However, Allah's plan was to save Prophet Jesus (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) from their evil scheme. It demonstrates that Allah's wisdom and planning surpasses any human plot, no matter how intricate or well-executed it may be.

From these Quranic verses, we can infer that scheming is a characteristic of those who oppose the truth and seek to harm the righteous. It is a manifestation of their rebellious nature and their refusal to submit to the divine guidance. Scheming is a tool used by those who lack sincerity and integrity, as they resort to deceit and manipulation to achieve their objectives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of scheming. It warns us against adopting such practices and encourages us to uphold honesty, transparency, and righteousness in all our dealings. We should strive to follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, who were exemplars of truth and integrity.

By reflecting on this Hadith and its Quranic context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the negative consequences of scheming. It reminds us to be vigilant against those who plot against the truth and to seek refuge in Allah's divine plan. May Allah protect us from the snares of schemers and guide us on the straight path.