Hadith #9376

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

ظَفَرُ اللِّئامِ تَجَبُّرٌ، وطُغْيانٌ۔

This can be translated as

The triumph of vile people leads to haughtiness and defiance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (zafar) "ظَفَرُ" refers to the triumph or victory achieved by individuals or groups. It signifies the attainment of success or accomplishment in a particular endeavor. The term (li'aam) "لِّئَامِ" refers to vile or wicked people who possess evil qualities and engage in immoral actions. These individuals are characterized by their lack of righteousness and their inclination towards wrongdoing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that when such vile people achieve triumph or success, it leads to (tajabbur) "تَجَبُّرٌ" which means haughtiness or arrogance. This arrogance stems from their belief that their success validates their actions and justifies their immoral behavior. They become proud and boastful, disregarding the rights of others and considering themselves superior.

Furthermore, the triumph of vile people also leads to (tughyan) "طُغْيَانٌ", which refers to defiance or transgression. When these individuals taste victory, they become emboldened in their wrongdoing and exceed the limits set by Allah. They no longer feel accountable for their actions and indulge in further acts of oppression and injustice.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true success lies in righteousness and humility, not in triumph achieved through vile means. The righteous individuals are those who do not seek power, dominance, or corruption in this world, but rather focus on their relationship with Allah and the betterment of society.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah warns,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining the reformation and balance that Allah has bestowed upon the earth. When vile people achieve triumph, they often disrupt this balance by spreading corruption and transgression. However, those who fear Allah and strive to do good will be protected by His mercy.

The consequences of the triumph of vile people are evident throughout history. When individuals or groups with wicked intentions gain power and authority, they often exploit their position for personal gain and oppress those under their control. This leads to social unrest, injustice, and the erosion of moral values. The haughtiness and defiance displayed by these individuals further exacerbate the situation, creating a cycle of corruption and oppression.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of allowing vile people to triumph. He reminds us that true success lies in righteousness, humility, and adherence to the teachings of Islam. It is our duty as Muslims to strive for justice, uphold moral values, and resist the influence of those who seek triumph through vile means.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness and to be cautious of the triumph achieved by vile people. It highlights the importance of humility, justice, and adherence to the teachings of Islam. By understanding and reflecting upon this Hadith, we can strive to create a just and righteous society, free from the haughtiness and defiance that arise from the triumph of the wicked. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the influence of evil.