Hadith #4178

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "بِئسَ العَمَلُ المَعْصيَةُ۔" This can be translated as:

How evil an action disobedience [to Allah] is!

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity and consequences of committing acts of disobedience against Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (bis) "بِئسَ" denotes extreme evil, wretchedness, and ugliness. It signifies the repugnance and abhorrence of an action. The word (al-'amal) "العَمَلُ" refers to any action or deed performed by an individual. Lastly, (al-ma'siyah) "المَعْصِيَةُ" means disobedience or transgression against the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and warns against the consequences of disobedience. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205), Allah says,

And when he turns away [from you], his effort in the land is to cause corruption therein and to destroy crops and livestock. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse highlights the destructive nature of disobedience, which leads to corruption and harm in society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:16), Allah warns,

And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with [complete] destruction.

This verse illustrates the severe consequences that disobedience can bring upon individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to avoid destruction and calamity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the inherent evil and ugliness of disobedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Disobedience is not merely a mistake or a lapse in judgment; it is a deliberate act of defiance against the Creator. It is a rejection of His wisdom, guidance, and mercy. Such actions lead to spiritual degradation, distance from Allah, and ultimately, a loss in the Hereafter.

When we reflect upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striving to be obedient to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. We should take heed and avoid engaging in acts that go against His commands, whether they are major sins or minor transgressions. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the detrimental consequences of disobedience and strive to attain the pleasure and nearness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His words carry great weight and wisdom, and this Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of disobedience and to strive for obedience in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of righteousness and protect us from the evil of disobedience.