Hadith #2759

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,

الملك (الملل) يفسد الإخوة

which translates to "Kingship spoils brotherhood." This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of power and authority on the unity and harmony of a community.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "الملك" refers to kingship or rulership, while "الملل" is a term that signifies corruption, decay, or spoiling. Thus, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is conveying that when individuals are given positions of power, it often leads to the deterioration of brotherhood and unity within the community.

This concept is not only emphasized in the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but it is also supported by various verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the negative consequences of power and authority when it is not wielded with justice and righteousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 205, Allah says,

And when he turns away [from you], his effort in the land is to cause corruption therein and to destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse highlights the destructive nature of those who abuse their authority and engage in corruption. They cause harm to the community, disrupt the balance, and create divisions among people. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding suspicion and backbiting, which are actions that contribute to the breakdown of brotherhood. When individuals in positions of power engage in such behavior, it creates an environment of mistrust and animosity, leading to the deterioration of unity and harmony.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant when it comes to power and authority. It serves as a warning against the abuse of power and the negative consequences it brings. History has shown us numerous examples of how the lust for power has led to the downfall of societies and the disintegration of brotherhood.

Furthermore, this hadith also highlights the importance of selecting leaders who possess the qualities of justice, integrity, and humility. A just and righteous leader will prioritize the welfare of the community over personal gain, ensuring that brotherhood and unity are preserved.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Kingship spoils brotherhood" serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the negative effects of power and authority. It emphasizes the importance of selecting leaders who possess the qualities of justice and righteousness, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the unity and harmony of the community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to choose leaders who will uphold the principles of Islam and protect the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.