Hadith #3322

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights five detestable qualities that can be found in different individuals. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned is

كَثْرَةُ الفُجورِ مِنَ العُلَماءِ

which translates to

excessive licentiousness from scholars.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is referring to scholars who engage in immoral behavior and indulge in sinful acts. It is important to note that this does not imply that all scholars possess this quality, but rather it emphasizes the severity and detestability of such behavior when exhibited by those who are supposed to be knowledgeable and righteous.

The Quran supports the condemnation of such behavior in several verses. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:175), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following the footsteps of those who went astray, saying,

And recite to them the news of him to whom We gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators.

This verse serves as a reminder that knowledge without righteousness can lead one astray and cause them to deviate from the path of guidance.

The second quality mentioned is "الحِرْصُ في الحُكَماءِ" which translates to "greed from sages." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the negative trait of greed, particularly when it is found in wise and knowledgeable individuals. Greed can cloud one's judgment and lead them to make decisions that prioritize personal gain over justice and fairness.

The Quranic verse that aligns with this aspect of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity, and it serves as a reminder for sages and wise individuals to prioritize the well-being of others over their own desires.

The third quality mentioned is "البُخلُ فيِ الأغْنياءِ" which translates to

stinginess from the wealthy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative trait of stinginess, particularly when it is found in those who possess wealth and abundance. Stinginess contradicts the principles of charity and generosity that Islam promotes.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving and charity. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the significance of using wealth for the betterment of society and helping those in need, rather than hoarding it out of stinginess.

The fourth quality mentioned is "القِحَةُ في النِّساءِ" which translates to "shamelessness from women." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is addressing the issue of shameless behavior displayed by some women. It is important to note that this does not generalize all women, but rather highlights the detestable behavior of those who engage in shameless acts.

The Quran emphasizes modesty and chastity for both men and women. In Surah An-Nur (24:30-31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs both men and women to lower their gazes and guard their modesty. This verse serves as a reminder for individuals, regardless of their gender, to uphold modesty and refrain from engaging in shameless behavior.

The fifth and final quality mentioned is "مِنَ المَشايِخِ الزِّنا" which translates to

from the elders, adultery.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the grave sin of adultery committed by some elders. This serves as a reminder that age and experience do not exempt individuals from the consequences of engaging in immoral acts.

The Quran strongly condemns adultery and emphasizes the importance of maintaining chastity. In Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse serves as a reminder for individuals, regardless of their age, to refrain from engaging in adultery and to uphold the sanctity of marriage.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on five detestable qualities found in different individuals. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for righteousness, modesty, generosity, and to avoid engaging in immoral behavior. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can purify our hearts and strive to embody the noble qualities that Islam promotes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to avoid these detestable qualities.