Hadith #2031

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful saying that highlights the nature of some individuals who did not truly embrace Islam, but rather submitted to it outwardly while concealing their disbelief within their hearts. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by swearing an oath by Allah, the One who splits the seed and creates human beings, emphasizing the importance and seriousness of his statement.

The word (aslamo) "أسلموا" in the Hadith is derived from the root word (Islam) "إسلام", which means submission or surrender to the will of Allah. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) clarifies that these individuals did not truly accept Islam in their hearts, but rather succumbed to it outwardly to ensure their safety and security. They concealed their disbelief, hiding it from the eyes of others.

This concept of outwardly professing faith while concealing disbelief is not unique to the time of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but it is a recurring theme in the history of religions. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has warned us about such individuals in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 8, Allah says:

(Quran 2:8)

And of the people are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' but they are not believers. They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not.

This verse highlights the existence of hypocrites who claim to believe but do not truly possess faith in their hearts. They seek to deceive Allah and the believers, but ultimately, they only deceive themselves. Their hypocrisy is a reflection of their own inner struggles and lack of sincerity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that when these individuals found supporters for their disbelief, they openly declared what they had previously hidden and manifested their concealed beliefs. This behavior demonstrates their opportunistic nature, as they were willing to openly express their disbelief when they felt secure and protected by like-minded individuals.

The Quran also addresses the issue of hypocrisy and the consequences it brings. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 9, Allah says:

(Quran 2:9)

They are in varying degrees with Allah, and Allah is Seeing of what they do.

This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of the hypocrisy of such individuals. He knows the true nature of their hearts and their actions. Their deceptive behavior may go unnoticed by humans, but Allah sees everything and will hold them accountable for their actions.

The exegesis of this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the importance of sincerity in their faith. It warns us against the dangers of hypocrisy and the consequences it brings. True faith is not merely a superficial display; it requires genuine belief and devotion to Allah. We should strive to align our actions with our beliefs, seeking His pleasure and avoiding the pitfalls of hypocrisy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, provides us with valuable insights through this Hadith. It encourages us to introspect and evaluate our own intentions and actions, ensuring that our faith is sincere and rooted in our hearts. May Allah guide us all to true faith and protect us from the traps of hypocrisy.