Hadith #4368

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

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

اَلاِنحِطاطُ إلَى الرَّذائِلِ سَهْلٌ مُرْد۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

Decline into depravities easily destroys.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-inhitaatu) "اَلاِنحِطاطُ" refers to the act of descending or declining. It signifies a gradual decline or deterioration from a higher state to a lower state. The word (ila) "إلَى" means "towards" or "into," indicating the direction of this decline. The term (al-radha'il) "الرَّذائِلِ" refers to depravities or vices, which are actions or behaviors that are morally corrupt and reprehensible.

This Hadith highlights the ease with which one can fall into depravities and the destructive consequences that follow. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in guarding themselves against the allure of sinful actions and immoral behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of avoiding sinful deeds and striving for righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding ridicule, insults, and offensive behavior towards others. It warns against the destructive consequences of engaging in such actions, as it tarnishes one's faith and leads to disobedience. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold the values of respect, kindness, and compassion in their interactions with others.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 explicitly warns against the consumption of intoxicants, engaging in gambling, and seeking guidance through divination. It highlights the impurity and corruption associated with such actions, urging Muslims to abstain from them in order to attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that the path towards depravities is an easy one, but it leads to destruction and ruin. It cautions Muslims against being lured by the temptations of sinful actions and immoral behavior. It encourages individuals to strive for righteousness, to resist the pull of vices, and to uphold the values and teachings of Islam.

By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, Muslims are reminded of the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and moral integrity. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals to be mindful of their actions and to make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive consequences of falling into depravities.