Hadith #4988

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ جَرى في مَيْدانِ إساءَتِهِ كَبا في جَرْيِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who proceeds in the course of his offences stumbles in his progress.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (jarra) "جَرى" in this Hadith refers to "proceeding" or "moving forward." It implies the actions and behavior of an individual as they navigate through life. The word (maydani) "مَيْدانِ" means "field" or "arena," symbolizing the sphere in which one's offenses take place. And finally, (isa'atihi) "إساءَتِهِ" refers to one's offenses or wrongdoings.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse highlights the contrast between truth and falsehood, emphasizing that falsehood is destined to perish. Similarly, when one proceeds in the course of their offenses, they are essentially choosing the path of falsehood, which is bound to lead to stumbling and downfall.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:170), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of Allah rather than blindly adhering to the practices of our forefathers. When one persists in their offenses, they are essentially following the misguided footsteps of their ancestors, which will inevitably lead to stumbling and lack of guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and behavior. It teaches us that if we persist in our wrongdoings and continue to engage in sinful behavior, we will stumble and face the consequences of our actions. Just as a runner stumbling in their race loses their progress, those who persist in their offenses will hinder their own spiritual growth and development.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and to avoid falling into the trap of sinful behavior. By recognizing the consequences of our offenses, we are encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to rectify our actions. It reminds us that true progress lies in adhering to the path of righteousness and avoiding the pitfalls of sin.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that persisting in our offenses will ultimately lead to stumbling and hindrance in our progress. It urges us to reflect upon our actions, seek forgiveness, and strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from stumbling in our journey towards Him.