Hadith #9806

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Al-mulooku la mawaddata lahum.

This can be translated as,

Kings have no affection.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a characteristic of kings and rulers, emphasizing that they lack genuine affection or love for their subjects.

To understand the connotation behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the nature of worldly power and authority in several verses. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:82)

You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.

This verse highlights the difference in affection shown by different groups towards the believers. It indicates that those who hold positions of religious authority, such as priests and monks, are more likely to show affection towards the believers. This is because they are not driven by worldly power and wealth, but rather by their devotion to Allah and His guidance.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 60:8)

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in our interactions with others, regardless of their beliefs or social status. It reminds us that love and affection should not be limited to a particular group, but should be extended to all people, as long as they do not pose a threat to our faith or well-being.

Now, coming back to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that the lack of affection mentioned here refers to the inherent nature of worldly power and authority. When individuals attain positions of kingship or rulership, their focus often shifts towards maintaining their power and wealth, rather than genuinely caring for the well-being of their subjects.

This lack of affection can have severe consequences for the people under their rule. It can lead to oppression, injustice, and a disregard for the rights and needs of the citizens. History is filled with examples of tyrannical rulers who prioritized their own interests over the welfare of their people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, highlights this reality to remind Muslims of the importance of choosing leaders who possess genuine affection and concern for their subjects. He encourages us to seek leaders who prioritize justice, righteousness, and the well-being of the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious when choosing leaders. It reminds us of the inherent nature of worldly power and the potential lack of affection that can accompany it. By referring to the Quranic verses that emphasize justice, righteousness, and love for all people, we are reminded of the qualities that should be sought in our leaders. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting leaders who possess genuine affection and concern for their subjects, and may He grant us the wisdom to recognize and support such leaders.