Hadith #9847

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the intention of the king changes, the times change (or get corrupted).

This Hadith highlights the profound impact that the intention and actions of a leader can have on society. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taghayyarat) "تَغَيَّرَتْ" in the Hadith means "changes." It signifies a transformation or alteration in the state of affairs. The word (niyyah) "نِيَّةُ" refers to the intention or motive behind one's actions. Lastly, the word (sultan) "سُّلْطانِ" refers to the ruler or king.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 247, Allah says,

Their prophet said to them, 'Indeed, Allah has sent to you Saul as a king.' They said, 'How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?' He said, 'Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.'

This verse highlights the divine appointment of Prophet Saul (Talut) as a king over the Children of Israel. Despite the objections raised by some, Allah chose Saul based on his knowledge and stature. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge and wisdom in a leader.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah mentions the story of Prophet Moses (Musa) and Pharaoh. Allah says,

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

This verse shows that Allah intended to grant leadership to the oppressed and righteous individuals, thereby bringing about positive change in society.

From these verses, we can understand that the intention and character of a leader play a crucial role in shaping the times and the society. When a leader's intention is corrupt or self-serving, it leads to the corruption of the times and the deterioration of society. Conversely, when a leader's intention is righteous and focused on serving the people, it brings about positive change and progress.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the profound impact of leadership on society. His statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in choosing their leaders and to hold them accountable for their intentions and actions.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively participate in the selection and appointment of leaders who possess noble intentions and a commitment to justice and righteousness. It reminds us that our collective actions and choices have a direct impact on the state of our society.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the consequences of having a leader with corrupt intentions. When a leader's intentions are self-centered or driven by personal gain, it leads to the erosion of trust, the spread of injustice, and the decay of moral values within society. This corruption can manifest in various forms, such as economic inequality, social unrest, and the erosion of ethical standards.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the intentions and actions of their leaders. It emphasizes the importance of selecting leaders who possess knowledge, wisdom, and a sincere commitment to serving the people. By doing so, we can strive to create a just and prosperous society, guided by the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and insight to choose righteous leaders and enable us to be agents of positive change in our communities.