Hadith #5948

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,

ما ذا بَعْدَ الحَقِّ إلاّ الضَّلالُ۔

This translates to,

What is there after truth except error?

This impactful Hadith made by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great significance and can be understood in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (haqq) "حَقِّ" in this Hadith refers to the ultimate truth, which is the divine guidance and the path of righteousness. It encompasses the truth revealed in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The word (dalaal) "ضَّلالُ" means error or deviation from the truth. It signifies straying away from the right path and falling into falsehood or misguidance.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of adhering to the truth and warns against the consequences of deviating from it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:93)

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, 'It has been inspired to me,' while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, 'I will reveal [something] like what Allah revealed.' And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], 'Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.'

This verse highlights the severity of deviating from the truth and fabricating lies about Allah. It warns that those who do so will face humiliation and punishment in the hereafter. Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 6:21)

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, 'It has been inspired to me,' while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, 'I will reveal [something] like what Allah revealed.' And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], 'Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.'

These verses emphasize the importance of holding onto the truth and warn against the severe consequences of deviating from it. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement echoes this message, reminding us that after the truth, there is nothing but error and misguidance. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to always seek the truth and adhere to it, for deviating from it can only lead to falsehood and spiritual destruction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran. His statement reflects his profound wisdom and insight into the consequences of straying from the path of truth. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and beliefs, ensuring that they align with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

What is there after truth except error?

highlights the importance of adhering to the truth and the consequences of deviating from it. It is a reminder for Muslims to seek the truth, as revealed in the Quran and taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and to avoid falling into falsehood and misguidance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from error and deviation.