Hadith #5145

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

دُوَلُ الأشْرارِ مِحَنُ الاَْخْيارِ۔

This can be translated as,

The coming to power of the wicked is the tribulation of the virtuous.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (dawla) "دُوَلُ" in Arabic refers to the rise or coming to power of a certain group or individuals. It signifies a change in the ruling authority or the establishment of a new regime. (al-ashrar) "الأشْرارِ" refers to the wicked, those who are morally corrupt and engage in evil actions. On the other hand, (al-akhyaar) "الأخْيارِ" refers to the virtuous, the righteous individuals who strive to follow the path of goodness and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the rise of the wicked to power is a tribulation for the virtuous. This means that when those who are morally corrupt and devoid of righteousness attain positions of authority and influence, it becomes a test and a challenge for those who strive to uphold justice, truth, and righteousness.

This concept is beautifully reflected in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights that tests and trials are an integral part of life, and the rise of the wicked to power can be seen as one such trial for the virtuous.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried?

This verse emphasizes that trials and tribulations are a necessary part of the journey of faith. The rise of the wicked to power can be seen as a test of the faith and resilience of the virtuous, as they are faced with the challenge of maintaining their principles and values in the face of oppression and injustice.

The consequences of the rise of the wicked to power can be far-reaching. It can lead to the suppression of truth, the erosion of justice, and the marginalization of the virtuous. The virtuous may face persecution, discrimination, and hardship as they strive to uphold their principles in the face of a corrupt and oppressive regime. However, it is through these trials that the true strength and sincerity of the virtuous are tested and their reward is promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims that the rise of the wicked to power should not deter them from their path of righteousness. Instead, it should motivate them to strive even harder to uphold justice, truth, and righteousness. It is a call to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to trust in the wisdom and justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the rise of the wicked to power is a test for the virtuous. It calls upon Muslims to remain steadfast in upholding justice and righteousness, even in the face of oppression and adversity. It is through these trials that the true strength and sincerity of the virtuous are tested, and their reward is promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to navigate through these tribulations and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.