Hadith #6434

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a impactful saying that invites us to reflect upon the transient nature of worldly power and authority. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks,

Where are those who ruled the extremities of this world?

This question serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential someone may be in this world, their authority is limited and temporary.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith. The term (malakoo) "مَلَكُوا" refers to those who have held dominion or ruled over something. It signifies individuals who have exerted their control and authority over the affairs of this world. The word (aqsaiha) "أقاصِيَها" translates to "extremities" or "farthest reaches." It highlights the vastness and breadth of the world that these rulers have claimed dominion over.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 26:

Say, 'O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'

This verse emphasizes that ultimate sovereignty and authority belong to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. He grants power and authority to whomever He wills and takes it away from whomever He wills. The rulers of this world may hold temporary dominion, but their power is subject to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are merely vessels through which Allah's decree is manifested.

Another verse that sheds light on the transient nature of worldly power is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 78:

And he [Musa] entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse narrates the incident where Prophet Musa (Moses) intervened in a dispute between two men. It highlights the fleeting nature of power and authority, as the man who sought Moses' help against his enemy ended up being killed unintentionally. This incident serves as a reminder that even those who hold power can be brought down in an instant, and their authority can be stripped away.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question,

Where are those who ruled the extremities of this world?

is a rhetorical one, inviting us to reflect on the fate of those who once held great power and authority. It serves as a reminder that no matter how vast or influential their dominion may have been, it is ultimately temporary and fleeting.

This Hadith encourages us to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly power and instead focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that true honor and authority lie in obedience to Allah and following the path of righteousness. We should not be deceived by the temporary nature of worldly power, but rather strive for eternal success in the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the transient nature of worldly power and guide us to seek His pleasure above all else. Ameen.