Hadith #10666

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights his divine mandate to combat those who engage in rebellion, betrayal, and corruption on the earth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that he has fulfilled this commandment by fighting against defaulters, struggling against the iniquitous, and vanquishing the transgressors. Furthermore, he mentions his confrontation with the Satan of the pit, whom he subdued with a powerful scream that caused the trembling of his chest and the restless beating of his heart.

To understand the meaning and implications of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and phrases used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Firstly, the term (defaulters) "ناكثون" refers to those who break their pledges and fail to fulfill their obligations. This includes individuals who violate their agreements, contracts, or promises, thus causing disruption and disharmony in society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) affirms that he has fought against such individuals, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the fulfillment of obligations.

The next term mentioned is (iniquitous) "قاسطون", which refers to those who engage in acts of injustice, oppression, and wrongdoing. These individuals transgress the boundaries of morality and fairness, causing harm and suffering to others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that he has struggled against such individuals, indicating his relentless efforts to combat injustice and establish a just society.

The term (transgressors) "مارقة" is also mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which refers to those who exceed the limits set by Allah and engage in sinful acts. These individuals deviate from the path of righteousness and indulge in immoral behavior, leading to corruption and moral decay in society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asserts that he has vanquished such transgressors, highlighting his commitment to upholding the divine boundaries and combating moral corruption.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions his encounter with the (Satan of the pit) "شَيْطانُ الرَّدْهَةِ", whom he dealt with through an overpowering scream. This refers to his confrontation with the forces of evil and falsehood, symbolized by Satan. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) ability to overpower the Satan of the pit signifies his immense spiritual strength and his unwavering commitment to the truth. His scream represents his resolute determination to combat falsehood and establish the reign of truth and justice.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:193),

And fight them until there is no fitnah and [until] the religion, all of it, is for Allah.

This verse emphasizes the obligation to fight against those who create strife and discord, until peace and the worship of Allah prevail. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) embodies this commandment by actively engaging in combat against those who disrupt peace and promote corruption.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:39-40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, 'Our Lord is Allah.'

These verses highlight the permission granted to the oppressed to fight against their oppressors, with the ultimate goal of establishing justice and the worship of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) embodies this principle by fighting against those who engage in oppression and injustice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reflects his divine mandate to combat rebellion, betrayal, and corruption on the earth. Through his actions and struggles, he upholds justice, fights against injustice, and vanquishes transgressors. His encounter with the Satan of the pit symbolizes his unwavering commitment to truth and his ability to overcome the forces of evil. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the obligation to fight against those who disrupt peace and promote corruption, with the ultimate goal of establishing justice and the worship of Allah. Muslims should draw inspiration from Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) example and strive to combat injustice and uphold the principles of truth and justice in their own lives and societies.