Hadith #2967

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The chain of delusion will never be severed until the rising of the [Imam of the] avenger of the age.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the perpetual existence of delusion and falsehood in the world until the coming of the Imam who will establish justice and eradicate oppression.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (silsilah) "سِلْسِلَةُ" refers to a chain or a continuous series. In this context, it represents the uninterrupted succession of delusion and falsehood throughout history. The term (al-hathayan) "الهَذَيانِ" can be translated as delusion, deception, or illusion. It signifies the prevalence of falsehood and misguidance in the world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that this chain of delusion will persist until the (thar) "ثّارُ" rises. The term (thar) "ثّارُ" refers to the avenger or the one seeking retribution. In the context of this Hadith, it alludes to the awaited Imam, who will rise to establish justice and eradicate oppression. This Imam, known as the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is the twelfth Imam from the progeny of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Lady Fatima (عَلَيْهَا ٱلسَّلَامُ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus (10:82),

And Allah will establish the truth by His words, even if the criminals dislike it.

This verse emphasizes that the truth will ultimately prevail, even if it is rejected or disliked by those who engage in falsehood and deception. The rising of the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a manifestation of this divine promise, as he will establish the truth and justice in the world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:105), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We have written in the Zabur (Psalms) after the reminder that My righteous servants will inherit the earth.

This verse highlights the divine decree that the righteous servants of Allah will inherit the earth. The rising of the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a fulfillment of this promise, as he will establish a just and righteous global governance.

The exegesis of this Hadith reveals profound insights. It reminds us that delusion and falsehood will persist until the advent of the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who will eradicate oppression and establish justice. This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for truth and righteousness, even in the face of widespread deception and falsehood. It also highlights the consequences of living in a world dominated by delusion, urging us to seek guidance from the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to navigate through the challenges of our time.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize the importance of recognizing and resisting the chains of delusion that surround us. It reminds us to seek knowledge and understanding from the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who possess unparalleled wisdom and knowledge. By following their guidance, we can protect ourselves from falling into the traps of falsehood and deception. Moreover, this Hadith instills hope in the hearts of Muslims, assuring us that the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) will eventually rise to establish justice and righteousness, bringing an end to the chains of delusion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the perpetual existence of delusion and falsehood in the world until the advent of the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It urges Muslims to seek truth, resist deception, and follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can prepare ourselves for the arrival of the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and contribute to the establishment of justice and righteousness in the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of truth and grant us the opportunity to witness the rise of the Imam Mahdi (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).