Hadith #4187

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) highlights the astonishment he feels towards those who possess knowledge of the severity of Allah's retribution, yet persist in committing sins. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the need to align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (I am amazed) "عَجِبْتُ" expresses Imam Ali's astonishment at the behavior of individuals who possess knowledge but fail to act upon it. This amazement stems from the fact that such individuals are aware of the severity of Allah's retribution, yet they continue to persist in their sinful actions.

The phrase (severity of Allah's retribution) "شِدَّةَ انْتِقامِ اللّهِ" emphasizes the magnitude and intensity of the punishment that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) can inflict upon those who persist in sinning. This phrase serves as a reminder of the divine justice and the consequences that await those who choose to disregard Allah's commands.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further highlights the persistence of these individuals in the face of Allah's retribution. The phrase (he still continues being persistent)

هُوَ مُقيمٌ علَى الإصرارِ

signifies their unwavering commitment to their sinful actions, despite being fully aware of the consequences.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 165:

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah. And if only they who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of recognizing the severity of Allah's punishment and the need to prioritize our love and devotion to Him above all else. It serves as a warning to those who persist in their sinful actions, urging them to reflect upon the consequences that await them.

Another relevant ayah can be found in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 178:

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This ayah highlights the futility of withholding what Allah has bestowed upon us and the dire consequences that await those who engage in such behavior. It serves as a reminder that persisting in sin and greed will only lead to regret and punishment in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our actions with our knowledge. It is not enough to simply possess knowledge; we must actively apply it in our lives and strive to avoid sinful behavior. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment at those who possess knowledge of Allah's retribution yet continue to persist in sinning. This serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to constantly seek repentance and forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to align our actions with our knowledge, and may He protect us from the severity of His retribution. May we always strive to seek His forgiveness and mercy, and may we be guided by the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).