Hadith #2052

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ حارَبَ اللّهَ حُرِبَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who fights against Allah is ruined.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (haraba) "حارَبَ" in this Hadith refers to fighting or waging war against Allah. It signifies a deliberate act of rebellion and defiance against the divine commandments and the path of righteousness. It is important to note that this form of fighting is not physical combat against Allah, as He is beyond any human comprehension or physicality. Rather, it refers to opposing His guidance, rejecting His laws, and engaging in actions that are contrary to His will.

To understand the gravity of fighting against Allah, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

Fighting has been ordained upon you, though it is disliked by you. But it may be that you dislike something which is good for you, and that you like something which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.

This verse highlights the concept of lawful combat in specific circumstances, such as self-defense or fighting against oppression. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against fighting against Allah, which goes beyond the boundaries of permissible combat.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fighting only in self-defense and within the limits set by Allah. Engaging in aggression or transgression is strictly prohibited, as it amounts to fighting against Allah's commandments and His prescribed boundaries.

When one fights against Allah, they are essentially challenging His authority, wisdom, and knowledge. They are rejecting His guidance and choosing their own desires and whims over His divine guidance. This act of rebellion can lead to severe consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns those who oppose His commandments, saying,

And [recall] when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, [saying], 'Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a Messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him.' [Allah] said, 'Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?' They said, 'We have acknowledged it.' He said, 'Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.' But whoever turns away after that - they are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the importance of accepting and following the guidance brought by the Messengers of Allah. Those who reject or oppose the message of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the subsequent Imams (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are considered defiantly disobedient and are fighting against Allah's commandments.

Fighting against Allah can have severe consequences in both this life and the hereafter. It leads to a state of ruin, where individuals distance themselves from the mercy and guidance of Allah. They become trapped in a cycle of disobedience and are deprived of the blessings and tranquility that come from submitting to the will of Allah.

As Muslims, it is crucial for us to reflect upon this Hadith and ensure that we do not engage in actions that go against the teachings of Islam. We must strive to align our lives with the divine commandments and seek knowledge from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. By doing so, we can avoid the path of ruin and instead attain success and salvation in both this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and protect us from fighting against Him. Ameen.