Hadith #9811

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

غَضَبُ المُلُوكِ رَسُولُ المَوْتِ۔

This phrase can be translated as,

The wrath of kings is the messenger of death.

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

The word (ghadab) "غَضَبُ" refers to anger or wrath, while (al-muluk) "المُلُوكِ" means kings or rulers. (rasul) "رَسُولُ" translates to messenger, and (al-mawt) "المَوْتِ" signifies death.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:118), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.

This verse highlights the treachery and harm that can come from those in positions of power and authority.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse highlights the consequences of unchecked anger and how it can lead to severe outcomes, even unintentional harm or death.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The wrath of kings, or any rulers who abuse their power, can be likened to the messenger of death. When rulers become consumed by anger and act without wisdom or justice, they bring destruction and suffering upon their subjects. Their anger becomes a tool of oppression and tyranny, leading to the demise of their own rule and the downfall of their kingdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, understood the destructive nature of unchecked anger. He witnessed the consequences of rulers who allowed their wrath to guide their actions, causing harm and chaos in society. By highlighting the connection between the wrath of kings and the messenger of death, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of justice, mercy, and wisdom in leadership.

As Muslims, we should reflect on this Hadith and strive to promote justice, compassion, and wisdom in our own lives and in the leaders we choose. We should be cautious of rulers who allow their anger to cloud their judgment and oppress their people. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the path of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek knowledge, justice, and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.