Hadith #5101

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

All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طاعَةُ دَواعِي الشُّرُورِ تُفْسِدُ عَواقِبَ الأُمُورِ۔

which translates to,

Obedience to the calls of the wicked corrupts the outcome of matters.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (obedience) "طاعَةُ" refers to following or complying with the commands or requests of someone. (calls) "دَواعِي" refers to the requests or demands made by individuals. And (the wicked) "الشُّرُورِ" refers to those who promote evil or engage in wrongdoing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that obedience to the calls of the wicked leads to the corruption of the outcome of matters. This means that blindly following the requests or demands of those who promote evil or engage in wrongdoing will ultimately result in negative consequences and a detrimental outcome.

To further understand the wisdom behind this statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness and warns against following the path of the wicked.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of joining together in acts of righteousness and avoiding cooperation in sinful and aggressive actions. It serves as a reminder that obedience should be directed towards that which is righteous and beneficial, rather than towards the calls of the wicked.

Additionally, in Surah Al-An'am (6:120), Allah warns,

And leave what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding sin and not being swayed by the temptations or requests of the wicked. It reminds us that those who engage in sinful acts will face the consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that obedience to the calls of the wicked not only leads to corruption in the present, but also has long-lasting negative consequences. By blindly following the requests of those who promote evil, we contribute to the perpetuation of wrongdoing and the deterioration of society.

For example, if a person obeys the calls of a corrupt leader and engages in acts of oppression or injustice, not only do they contribute to the suffering of others, but they also tarnish their own character and invite the wrath of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon themselves.

Conversely, if individuals resist the calls of the wicked and instead strive to uphold righteousness and justice, they contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of a just and harmonious community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of discernment and critical thinking in our actions. We should not blindly follow the requests or demands of others, especially if they promote evil or engage in wrongdoing. Instead, we should refer to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to ensure that our obedience is directed towards that which is righteous and beneficial.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their obedience. Blindly following the calls of the wicked leads to corruption and negative outcomes. Instead, we should strive to uphold righteousness, justice, and the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of society and ensure a positive outcome in all matters. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the influence of the wicked.