Hadith #2653

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 pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ عانَدَ الحَقَّ قَتَلَهُ، وَمَنْ تَعَزَّزَ عَلَيْهِ (عَلَى الباطِلِ) ذَلَّلَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever opposes the truth, it kills him and whoever tries to overpower it, it humiliates him.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (opposes) "عانَدَ" refers to someone who goes against the truth, who rejects it and refuses to accept it. This opposition to the truth is not merely a disagreement or difference of opinion, but rather a deliberate act of defiance and rebellion.

The word (truth) "حَقَّ" in this Hadith refers to the ultimate truth, which is the divine guidance and teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses the truth revealed in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The truth is the path of righteousness and justice, and it is the embodiment of all that is good and virtuous.

The Hadith states that whoever opposes the truth, it "kills" him. This does not necessarily mean physical death, but rather the death of one's spiritual and moral integrity. When a person knowingly and persistently opposes the truth, they become spiritually dead, disconnected from the light of guidance and the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further emphasize the consequences of opposing the truth, we find support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:257),

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light.

This verse highlights that those who embrace the truth and believe in it are guided by Allah towards the light of guidance and righteousness. Conversely, those who oppose the truth are left in darkness, devoid of divine guidance.

The Hadith also mentions that whoever tries to overpower the truth, it "humiliates" him. This refers to those who attempt to suppress or undermine the truth, thinking that they can overpower it with their falsehood and deception. However, their efforts ultimately lead to their own humiliation and disgrace.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against such arrogance and delusion in Surah Al-Anfal (8:36),

Indeed, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to avert [people] from the way of Allah. So they will spend it; then it will be for them a [source of] regret; then they will be overcome.

This verse highlights that those who oppose the truth and try to overpower it will ultimately be defeated and regret their actions.

The consequences of opposing the truth and trying to overpower it are not limited to this world alone. In the Hereafter, those who persist in their defiance will face severe punishment and eternal humiliation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:167),

And those who were followed will say, 'If only we had another turn [at worldly life] so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us.' Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking the truth, embracing it, and aligning our lives with it. We should strive to overcome our ego, arrogance, and desires that may lead us to oppose the truth. Instead, we should humbly submit ourselves to the divine guidance and teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), for it is only through this submission that we can attain true success and salvation.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of truth and protect us from opposing it. May He grant us the wisdom and humility to recognize and embrace the truth, and may He save us from the consequences of trying to overpower it. Ameen.