Hadith #9361

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

أصْعَبُ المَرامِ طَلَبُ ما في أيْدِي اللِّئامِ۔

This can be translated as:

The most difficult objective is seeking that which is in the possession of the vile ones.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (as'abu) "أصْعَبُ" means the most difficult or challenging. (al-marami) "المَرامِ" refers to the objective or goal. (talabu) "طَلَبُ" means seeking or searching for something. (ma fi aydi) "ما في أيْدِي" translates to that which is in the possession of. Lastly, (al-li'am) "اللِّئامِ" refers to the vile ones or the wicked individuals.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90):

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding the possessions and actions of the wicked, as they are a source of impurity and corruption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating even those who are not righteous with fairness and justice, while still avoiding their wicked actions and possessions.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand the exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the difficulty in seeking the objectives or goals that are in the possession of the vile ones. These objectives may include material possessions, positions of power, or even worldly desires that are associated with wickedness and corruption.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to recognize the challenges and consequences of seeking such objectives. The path to achieving these goals may be filled with temptations, compromises, and unethical actions. By seeking what is in the possession of the vile ones, Muslims risk compromising their integrity, values, and ultimately their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to focus on seeking objectives that are aligned with righteousness, justice, and the teachings of Islam. By doing so, Muslims can ensure that their actions are in accordance with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the challenges and consequences of seeking objectives that are in the possession of the vile ones. It urges us to prioritize righteousness, justice, and the teachings of Islam in our pursuits, and to avoid compromising our values and integrity. By doing so, we can strive for success in this world and the Hereafter, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the right path and grant us success in our endeavors.