Hadith #9275

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the disbeliever using four powerful words: (misguiding) "خَبٌّ", (deceiver) "ضَبٌّ", (hard-hearted) "جاف", and (perfidious) "خائِنٌ". Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word "خَبٌّ" refers to someone who misguides others, leading them away from the path of truth and righteousness. This is reminiscent of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:26), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the disbelievers as those who

mislead others and themselves.

The misguidance of the disbeliever is not limited to themselves, but they actively seek to lead others astray as well.

Next, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the disbeliever as "ضَبٌّ," which means a deceiver. This word highlights the deceptive nature of the disbeliever, who uses cunning tactics to deceive others and distort the truth. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18) emphasizes the deceitful nature of the disbelievers, stating,

They deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves and perceive it not.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further characterizes the disbeliever as "جاف," which means hard-hearted. This term signifies the lack of compassion and empathy in the heart of the disbeliever. In Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the disbelievers as having

hardened their hearts after what has come to them of knowledge.

This hardness of heart prevents them from recognizing the truth and accepting guidance.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the disbeliever as "خائِنٌ," which means perfidious or treacherous. This word highlights the disloyalty and betrayal of the disbeliever towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His religion. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:23) warns against the treachery of the disbelievers, stating,

Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah; of them, some have fulfilled their obligations, and some are still waiting, but they have never changed in the least.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound description of the disbeliever serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant against those who possess these qualities. It also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By understanding the characteristics of the disbeliever, Muslims can better protect themselves from falling into the traps of misguidance, deception, hardness of heart, and treachery.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and avoid the traits of the disbeliever, and may He guide us all on the straight path.