Hadith #9490

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 role of a specific group of people who are responsible for the emergence of mischief and the attraction of wrongdoing. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that

From them mischief will spring up and all wrong will turn towards them. They will fling anyone who isolates himself from it (i.e. the mischief) back into it and they will drive anyone who stays back from it towards it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and phrases used. The word (فِتْنَةُ) "fitnah" refers to trials, tribulations, or mischief that can lead people astray from the right path. The word (خَطِيئَةُ) "khata'ah" refers to wrongdoing or sin. The phrase (تَخْرُجُ الفِتْنَةُ) "takhruju al-fitnah" means that the mischief will originate from this group, while the phrase (تَأْوِى الخَطيئَةُ) "ta'wi al-khata'ah" means that all wrong will turn towards them.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:120):

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, 'Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.' If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of Allah and not being influenced by the desires and beliefs of others. It warns against deviating from the true path and highlights the consequences of doing so. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns about the group that leads to mischief and attracts wrongdoing. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious and not be swayed by those who deviate from the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:51), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you - then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining the distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly in matters of faith and ideology. It warns against forming alliances or seeking support from those who do not adhere to the true teachings of Islam. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this sentiment by highlighting the role of a specific group that leads to mischief and attracts wrongdoing.

In light of these Quranic verses and the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that there will always be individuals or groups who promote mischief and attract wrongdoing. These individuals may try to influence others and lead them away from the path of righteousness. They may create divisions, spread false ideologies, or engage in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

It is the responsibility of Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, seek knowledge, and adhere to the true teachings of Islam as prescribed in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Muslims should be vigilant and cautious, not allowing themselves to be swayed or influenced by those who deviate from the true path. They should seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of those who promote mischief and attract wrongdoing. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the true teachings of Islam and not being swayed by those who deviate from the path of righteousness. Muslims should seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, and strive to remain steadfast in their faith, avoiding the pitfalls of those who lead astray. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the influence of those who promote mischief and attract wrongdoing.