Hadith #9366

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,

The vile one is such that when he has the power, he commits atrocities and when he makes a promise, he breaks it.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the characteristics of a wicked person who abuses their authority and lacks integrity.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (al-la'eem) "اللَّئِيمُ" refers to a vile or wicked person. This individual is known for their evil deeds and immoral behavior. The word (idha) "إذا" means "when" and signifies a condition or situation. (qadara) "قَدَرَ" means to have power or authority, while (afhasha) "أفْحَشَ" refers to committing atrocities or acts of oppression. Similarly, (wa'ada) "وَعَدَ" means to make a promise, and (akhlaafa) "أخْلَفَ" means to break or violate that promise.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of abusing power and breaking promises in several ayats.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This ayat emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). It warns against disputes and losing courage, which can lead to the misuse of power and oppression.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah says,

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This ayat highlights the significance of fulfilling commitments and promises. Breaking promises, especially when one has the power to fulfill them, is a grave injustice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of integrity and accountability. It warns against the abuse of power and the consequences of breaking promises. A vile person, as described in the Hadith, may use their authority to commit atrocities, causing harm and suffering to others. They may also make promises but fail to fulfill them, leading to a loss of trust and credibility.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in various aspects of life. In personal relationships, it reminds us to be honest and true to our word. In leadership positions, it emphasizes the responsibility to use power for the betterment of society and to fulfill promises made to the people. It also serves as a reminder to be cautious and discerning when dealing with individuals who exhibit such vile characteristics.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, shared this Hadith to guide Muslims on the path of righteousness. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to be individuals of integrity, upholding our commitments and using any authority we possess for the betterment of humanity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to always act with integrity and fulfill our promises. May He protect us from the vileness described in this Hadith and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.