Hadith #9781

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ مُحْتال صَرَعَتْهُ حيلَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Many a plotter has been struck down by his own stratagem.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences faced by those who engage in deceitful schemes and plots.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term "مُحْتال" refers to someone who is cunning, crafty, and deceitful. It describes an individual who employs various strategies and tricks to achieve their goals, often resorting to dishonest means. The word "صَرَعَتْهُ" means to be struck down or defeated, implying that the plotter's own schemes backfire on them. Finally, "حيلَتُهُ" refers to the stratagem or plan that the plotter devises.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against the consequences of deceit and treachery in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:54)

And they (the disbelievers) plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights that no matter how cunning or crafty someone may be, Allah's plan is superior and ultimately prevails. Those who plot against the truth will ultimately be defeated by their own schemes.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Yunus, where Allah says, (Quran 10:15)

And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, 'Bring us a Qur'an other than this or change it.' Say, [O Muhammad], 'It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day.'

This verse highlights the futile efforts of those who try to deceive and manipulate the truth. They demand changes to the Quran or seek alternative scriptures, but the truth remains unaltered and their plots are rendered ineffective.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the consequences faced by those who engage in deceitful tactics. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and righteousness in all aspects of life. Those who resort to deception may initially appear successful, but their own schemes will ultimately lead to their downfall.

We can reflect on this Hadith in our daily lives by striving to be people of truth and sincerity. We should avoid engaging in deceitful practices, recognizing that Allah's plan is far superior to any human stratagem. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of deceit and ensure that our actions are rooted in righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences faced by those who engage in deceitful schemes. It highlights the futility of plotting against the truth and emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity. As Muslims, we should strive to follow the path of righteousness, avoiding deceitful practices and placing our trust in Allah's plan. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the snares of deception.