Hadith #5102

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ظَفِرَ بِالشَّرِّ مَنْ رَكِبَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

He who embarks on evil is successful in attaining it.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" in this Hadith means to achieve or succeed. It signifies the attainment of a desired outcome or result. The word (bil-sharri) "بِالشَّرِّ" refers to evil or wrongdoing. It encompasses any action or intention that goes against the teachings of Islam and leads to harm or corruption.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And there are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have no share in the Hereafter.

This verse highlights the consequences of pursuing worldly desires without considering the consequences in the Hereafter. Those who prioritize their worldly gains over their spiritual well-being are ultimately deprived of the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:103-104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'

This verse emphasizes the misguided perception of those who engage in evil deeds, thinking that they are achieving success and prosperity in this worldly life. However, in reality, their efforts are in vain, and they are the ultimate losers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the consequences of their actions. It highlights the fact that those who choose to embark on the path of evil and wrongdoing may indeed achieve temporary gains or worldly success, but their ultimate outcome will be detrimental.

For instance, if a person engages in dishonest business practices, they may initially accumulate wealth and material possessions. However, their success is built upon deceit and injustice, which will eventually lead to their downfall. They may face legal consequences, loss of reputation, and a sense of emptiness and guilt. In contrast, those who adhere to the principles of honesty and integrity, even if they face temporary setbacks, will ultimately be successful in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and goodness in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that true success lies in aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness and warns against the pursuit of evil and wrongdoing.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to be guided towards the path of righteousness and to be protected from the influence of evil. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek Allah's guidance and support in order to avoid the pitfalls of evil and to attain success in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

He who embarks on evil is successful in attaining it

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the consequences of their actions. It highlights the temporary nature of worldly success achieved through evil means and emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. By seeking righteousness and avoiding evil, we can attain true success in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and secure our place in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the allure of evil.