Hadith #9777

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,

Scheming is the trait of the wicked.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the nature of scheming and its association with those who possess wicked intentions and evil inclinations.

The word "sajiyah" in Arabic, translated as "trait" in English, refers to a characteristic or quality that is inherent to a person's nature. It signifies a consistent pattern of behavior or a defining attribute that is deeply ingrained within an individual. In this context, the trait being discussed is "makr" or scheming.

Scheming, in its essence, involves the act of planning and plotting with the intention to deceive or manipulate others for personal gain or to cause harm. It is an insidious characteristic that is often associated with individuals who lack moral integrity and have malicious intentions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of scheming in several verses. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 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 wicked and the divine plan of Allah. It teaches us that no matter how cunning or devious the schemes of the wicked may be, Allah's plan ultimately prevails. It reminds us that those who engage in scheming will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

Another verse that sheds light on the nature of scheming is found in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 48. Allah says,

And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, 'No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector.' But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, 'Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in penalty.'

This verse illustrates the deceptive nature of scheming. Satan, the ultimate deceiver, entices people into believing that their schemes will lead to success and victory. However, when faced with the reality of the situation, he abandons them, leaving them to face the consequences of their actions alone. This serves as a warning to Muslims to be cautious of falling into the trap of scheming and to rely solely on Allah's guidance and protection.

Imam Ali's statement,

Scheming is the trait of the wicked,

serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold moral values and to distance themselves from any form of deceit or manipulation. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity, honesty, and transparency in our interactions with others.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali possessed a deep understanding of human nature and the potential for evil within individuals. His statement serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and to guard against the temptation of engaging in scheming or deceitful behavior.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that scheming is a characteristic associated with the wicked. It warns us of the consequences of engaging in deceitful behavior and emphasizes the importance of upholding moral values. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that address scheming, we gain a deeper understanding of the dangers and pitfalls associated with this trait. May Allah protect us from the influence of the wicked and guide us to walk the path of righteousness.