Hadith #10646

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.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the nature of the hypocrites and their deceptive tactics. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith, exploring the meanings behind the words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and their significance in the light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

They have indeed prepared for every truth a falsehood.

The word used for "prepared" in Arabic is "أعَدُّوا," which signifies deliberate planning and meticulous preparation. The hypocrites, with their cunning nature, fabricate falsehoods to counter every truth that is presented. They distort the truth, misrepresent facts, and create confusion among the believers.

This notion of falsehood being prepared for every truth finds resonance in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42),

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding the truth and not allowing it to be tainted or concealed by falsehood. The hypocrites, on the other hand, do the exact opposite, intentionally mixing truth with falsehood to deceive others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

And for every straight thing something crooked.

The word used for "straight" in Arabic is "حَقّ," which refers to that which is upright, just, and in accordance with the divine guidance. The hypocrites, however, distort and pervert the straight path, introducing crookedness and deviation. They manipulate the truth, twist its meanings, and create doubts and uncertainties.

This concept of introducing crookedness into what is straight is echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:79),

So woe to those who write the

scripture

with their own hands, then say, 'This is from Allah,' in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.

This verse highlights the deceitful actions of those who distort the divine scriptures, attributing their own words to Allah, thus corrupting the straight path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues,

And for every living thing a killer.

The hypocrites, with their treacherous nature, seek to harm and destroy every living thing that stands for truth and righteousness. They aim to extinguish the light of faith and righteousness, resorting to various means to achieve their malicious goals.

This notion of seeking to harm every living thing that upholds the truth is reflected in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:217),

They ask you about the sacred month - about fighting therein. Say, 'Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing.' And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able.

This verse highlights the hypocrites' relentless efforts to cause harm and create chaos, even if it means turning people away from the path of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

And for every [closed] door a key.

The hypocrites, with their deceptive tactics, possess the ability to unlock closed doors and gain access to places they are not supposed to enter. They exploit their knowledge of people's weaknesses and vulnerabilities to manipulate situations and gain undue advantage.

This idea of having a key for every closed door is reflected in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102),

And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, 'We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic].' And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating,

And for every night a lamp.

The hypocrites, with their deceptive nature, possess the ability to illuminate the darkness of the night, shedding light on their false narratives and misleading ideologies. They use their eloquence, charisma, and manipulative tactics to sway people's opinions and lead them astray.

This idea of illuminating the night with a lamp is reflected in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:35),

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse highlights the divine light that guides and illuminates the path of truth, while the hypocrites attempt to create their own false light to mislead others.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the tactics employed by the hypocrites. They prepare falsehoods to counter every truth, introduce crookedness into what is straight, seek to harm every living thing that upholds the truth, possess the ability to unlock closed doors, and illuminate the darkness of the night with their deceptive narratives. It is crucial for Muslims to be aware of these tactics and remain steadfast in upholding the truth, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the deceit of the hypocrites and grant us the strength to remain steadfast on the straight path.