Hadith #9636

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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:

تَزْكِيَةُ الأشْرارِ مِنْ أعْظَمِ الأَوْزارِ۔

This can be translated into English as:

Recommendation of the evil ones is one of the greatest sins.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tazkiyah) "تَزْكِيَةُ" in this Hadith refers to the act of recommending or endorsing someone. It implies supporting or promoting the actions or behavior of individuals, whether good or evil. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically highlights the recommendation or endorsement of the (ashrār) "أشْرارِ", which means the evil ones or the wrongdoers.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that recommending or endorsing the evil ones is not only a sin but one of the greatest sins. This statement highlights the gravity of the consequences of supporting and promoting evil actions or individuals who engage in wrongdoing.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2):

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting and cooperating in acts of righteousness and piety, while refraining from any form of support or cooperation in sinful and aggressive behavior.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading rumors and backbiting, saying:

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

These verses highlight the importance of promoting justice, righteousness, and unity among Muslims. Recommending or endorsing the evil ones goes against these principles and can lead to division, injustice, and the spread of sin within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their associations and the company they keep. It urges us to distance ourselves from those who engage in evil actions and to refrain from endorsing or supporting their behavior.

By endorsing the evil ones, we become complicit in their sins and share in the burden of their wrongdoing. This not only tarnishes our own spiritual state but also contributes to the perpetuation of evil in society. It is our duty as Muslims to strive for righteousness, to enjoin good, and to discourage evil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of the consequences of our actions and associations. It encourages us to align ourselves with those who uphold the values of righteousness and piety, and to distance ourselves from those who promote evil.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being cautious in our associations and the company we keep. It reminds us that recommending or endorsing the evil ones is not only a sin but one of the greatest sins. By aligning ourselves with those who engage in evil actions, we become complicit in their sins and contribute to the perpetuation of wrongdoing. As Muslims, it is our duty to promote righteousness, justice, and unity within our community, and to distance ourselves from those who promote evil. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of evil.