Hadith #2770

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sovereignty of the vile and inexperienced over nations is the cause of their decline and regression.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (tawalli) "تَوَلِّي" means to grant authority or sovereignty. (al-aradhil) "الأراذِلِ" refers to the vile or despicable individuals, while (al-ahdath) "الأحْدَاثِ" refers to the inexperienced or immature. Lastly, (ad-dawla) "الدُّوَلَ" signifies nations or states.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:73),

And those who disbelieve are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on earth and great corruption.

This verse emphasizes the importance of appointing righteous and capable leaders to avoid chaos and corruption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his encounter with a man from his own people who was unjust and ignorant. This man caused strife and division among the Children of Israel, leading to their decline and regression. This serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the detrimental consequences of placing the vile and inexperienced in positions of authority.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes the Quranic teachings by emphasizing the adverse effects of granting power to those who lack moral integrity and knowledge. When individuals who are corrupt and inexperienced are given control over nations, it inevitably leads to their downfall and regression.

History is replete with examples that validate this Hadith. We have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, nations, and civilizations due to the mismanagement and tyranny of leaders who lacked wisdom and righteousness. Their incompetence and corruption led to the decay and decline of their societies, causing immense suffering and hardship for their people.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is imperative for us to strive for the establishment of just and knowledgeable leadership. We must seek individuals who possess the qualities of piety, wisdom, and experience to guide our nations. By doing so, we can ensure the prosperity and progress of our societies, as well as protect ourselves from the calamities that arise from the rule of the vile and inexperienced.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the importance of appointing capable and righteous leaders. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the detrimental consequences of granting authority to those who lack moral integrity and knowledge. As Muslims, we must strive to establish just and knowledgeable leadership to safeguard our nations from decline and regression. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting leaders who will lead us towards prosperity and righteousness.