Hadith #4206

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,

مُداوَمَةُ المَعاصي تَقْطَعُ الرِّزْقَ۔

This can be translated as,

Constant sinning cuts [one’s] sustenance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word "مُداوَمَةُ" refers to the act of persistently engaging in sinful actions. It emphasizes the continuity and consistency of committing sins. "المَعاصي" refers to disobedience to Allah's commands and indulging in actions that are prohibited in Islam. And "تَقْطَعُ" means to sever or cut off. It signifies the severe consequences that result from persistently committing sins.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be supported by several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205),

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

This verse highlights the destructive consequences of engaging in sinful behavior. It shows that when a person persists in sinning, it can lead to corruption and destruction in society, including the loss of sustenance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:96), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.

This verse emphasizes that belief and righteousness are the keys to receiving blessings from Allah. Conversely, denying the messengers and persisting in sinful actions can lead to the deprivation of sustenance and blessings.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the consequences of persistently committing sins. It highlights the direct relationship between our actions and the sustenance provided by Allah. When a person continuously engages in sinful behavior, it creates a barrier between them and the blessings and provisions that Allah has ordained for them.

The consequences of constant sinning are not limited to material deprivation alone. They also have spiritual and psychological implications. Sinning distances us from Allah and weakens our connection with Him. It tarnishes our souls and leads to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. Moreover, persisting in sinning can lead to a cycle of guilt, remorse, and despair, which further hinders our ability to seek sustenance and blessings from Allah.

On the other hand, refraining from sin and striving to please Allah leads to an increase in sustenance and blessings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah An-Nahl (16:97),

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse assures us that righteousness and obedience to Allah's commands are the means to a good and fulfilling life, both in this world and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to avoid persistently engaging in sinful actions. We must be conscious of our deeds and seek repentance when we falter. By doing so, we can maintain a strong connection with Allah, receive His blessings, and ensure the continuity of our sustenance. Let us remember that our actions have consequences, and it is through righteousness and obedience that we can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the temptations of sin. May He grant us the strength to resist temptation and seek His forgiveness when we fall short. Ameen.