Hadith #9498

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

إذا فَسَدَ الزَّمانُ سادَ اللِّئامُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

When the epoch becomes corrupt, the wicked gain mastery [over the people].

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the unfortunate reality that when society falls into a state of moral decay and corruption, the wicked individuals rise to power and influence.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and concepts within it. The word (fasada) "فَسَدَ" refers to corruption, decay, or moral degradation. It signifies a state of societal disorder and moral decline. The word (az-zaman) "الزَّمانُ" refers to the epoch or time period in which people live. It encompasses the social, political, and cultural context of a particular era. Finally, the word (al-li'aam) "اللِّئامُ" refers to the wicked or morally corrupt individuals who exploit the prevailing corruption for their own gain.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the consequences of moral corruption and the rise of the wicked. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:73),

And those who disbelieved are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on earth and great corruption.

This verse highlights the connection between disbelief, corruption, and societal disorder. When people turn away from the guidance of Allah, corruption spreads, and the wicked gain power.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 those who do not seek power and corruption in this worldly life will be rewarded in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly gain and corruption leads to a loss in the eternal life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the dangerous consequences of societal corruption. When moral values deteriorate, the wicked individuals exploit the chaos and take control. They manipulate the vulnerable and use their power for personal gain, leading to further corruption and injustice. This Hadith serves as a warning to Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and to actively resist corruption and immorality.

Moreover, this Hadith also teaches us the importance of recognizing and addressing societal corruption. It is the responsibility of Muslims to work towards creating a just and moral society. By promoting righteousness, upholding justice, and enjoining good and forbidding evil, we can strive to prevent the spread of corruption and protect ourselves from the influence of the wicked.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the inherent connection between societal corruption and the rise of the wicked. It serves as a warning to Muslims to remain vigilant in upholding moral values and resisting corruption. By seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to create a just and righteous society, where the wicked do not gain mastery. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from corruption and guide us on the path of righteousness.