Hadith #8402

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who corrupts [his relationship] with Allah will not be upright with anyone.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong and sincere connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to uphold righteousness and integrity in our relationships with others.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (fasada) "فَسَدَ" means to corrupt, spoil, or ruin. It refers to the act of deviating from the path of righteousness and committing sins that damage one's relationship with Allah. The word (ma'a) "مَعَ" means with or alongside, indicating that this corruption occurs in conjunction with Allah's presence and knowledge. The phrase (lam yaslukh) "لَمْ يَصْلُحْ" means will not be upright or righteous. It signifies that when one's relationship with Allah is corrupted, their ability to maintain integrity and righteousness in their interactions with others is compromised.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the essence of righteousness, which lies in sincere belief in Allah and the practice of virtuous deeds. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards others, such as caring for relatives, supporting the needy, and fulfilling promises. It also emphasizes patience during times of difficulty. All of these actions are rooted in a strong relationship with Allah, as they are manifestations of faith and obedience.

When we corrupt our relationship with Allah by neglecting our obligations, indulging in sins, or lacking sincerity in our worship, it impacts our character and behavior towards others. Our actions become tainted by selfishness, dishonesty, and a lack of empathy. We may prioritize our own desires over the rights of others, break promises, and lack patience and compassion. This corruption seeps into our interactions, leading to strained relationships, mistrust, and a lack of integrity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that the consequences of corrupting our relationship with Allah are far-reaching. It not only affects our spiritual well-being but also impacts our interactions with fellow Muslims and society at large. Conversely, when we strive to maintain a strong connection with Allah, our actions are guided by righteousness, sincerity, and compassion. We become upright individuals who fulfill our responsibilities towards others and contribute positively to society.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is essential for us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and constantly strive to strengthen it. By engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and purifying our hearts, we can ensure that our interactions with others are characterized by righteousness, honesty, and kindness. Let us remember that our relationship with Allah is the foundation upon which all other relationships are built, and by nurturing it, we can truly be upright and sincere in our dealings with others.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to maintain a strong connection with Him and to be upright in our relationships with others. Ameen.