Hadith #8033

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

الْمَغْبُونُ مَنْ فَسَدَ دِينُهُ

which translates to

Deceived is the one whose faith is corrupt.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining a pure and uncorrupted faith.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to better understand its meaning. The word (maghboon) "مَغْبُونُ" refers to someone who has been deceived or cheated. It implies that the person has fallen into a state of delusion or falsehood. The word (fasada) "فَسَدَ" means to corrupt or spoil. It signifies the act of causing harm or damage to something.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 8:

And of the people are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' but they are not believers.

This verse emphasizes that true faith is not merely a claim or a label, but rather a genuine belief that is reflected in one's actions and character.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 44, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers.

This verse highlights the importance of adhering to the divine guidance revealed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It warns against distorting or manipulating the teachings of religion for personal gain or worldly desires. Those who corrupt the faith by deviating from the true teachings of Islam are indeed deceived, as they have strayed from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate the state of their faith. It urges us to reflect upon our actions, intentions, and beliefs, ensuring that they align with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

When one's faith becomes corrupted, it leads to a multitude of negative consequences. Firstly, it distances the individual from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Secondly, it weakens the spiritual connection between the believer and their Creator, hindering their ability to seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Moreover, a corrupt faith can lead to moral decay, as the individual may engage in sinful acts without remorse or repentance.

To avoid falling into the trap of a corrupt faith, Muslims must strive to acquire knowledge and understanding of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was renowned for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His teachings and actions serve as a beacon of guidance for Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of maintaining a pure and uncorrupted faith. It warns against distorting or manipulating the teachings of Islam for personal gain or desires. By aligning our beliefs and actions with the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah, we can safeguard ourselves from being deceived by a corrupt faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold a sincere and unblemished faith.