Hadith #4202

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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 تَلَذَّذَ بِمَعاصِي اللّهِ أوْرَثَهُ اللّهُ ذُلاًّ۔

This Hadith warns us about the consequences of finding pleasure in committing acts of disobedience against Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taladhdhaza) "تَلَذَّذَ" in the Hadith refers to taking pleasure or finding enjoyment in something. It emphasizes the act of willingly indulging in disobedience to Allah's commands. This implies a deliberate choice to engage in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

The phrase (bi-ma'asi Allah) "بِمَعاصِي اللّهِ" means disobedience to Allah. It encompasses all actions, thoughts, and intentions that go against the divine commandments and prohibitions. It includes sins of commission and omission, whether they are major or minor.

The Hadith then states, (awrathahu Allah dhullan) "أوْرَثَهُ اللّهُ ذُلاًّ", which translates to

Allah makes them suffer utter humiliation.

This phrase emphasizes the severe consequences that await those who take pleasure in disobedience. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will subject them to humiliation and disgrace in this world and the hereafter.

To understand the gravity of this warning, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the consequences of disobedience. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse highlights the miserable state of those who turn away from the remembrance of Allah, indicating that they will lead a life filled with sorrow and hardship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah warns, (Quran 43:36)

And whoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion.

This verse illustrates that those who distance themselves from the remembrance of Allah will be accompanied by a devil, leading them further astray from the path of righteousness.

The consequences of finding pleasure in disobedience are not limited to this world. In the Hereafter, those who indulged in sinful acts will face humiliation and disgrace. Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj, (Quran 47:34)

Indeed, those who disbelieved and averted [people] from the path of Allah and then died while they were disbelievers - never will Allah forgive them.

This verse highlights the eternal punishment awaiting those who persist in disbelief and lead others astray.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it serves as a stern reminder for Muslims to abstain from finding pleasure in disobedience. It teaches us that true happiness and contentment lie in obeying Allah's commands and avoiding sinful acts. We must strive to align our desires and actions with the teachings of Islam, seeking pleasure and satisfaction in acts of obedience and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of indulging in disobedience. His words serve as a guide to help us navigate the challenges of life and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to avoid the path of disobedience and instead seek the pleasure of Allah, for it is in His pleasure that true success lies.