Hadith #4198

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

Those who remain behind [in this world after others have passed away before them] do not stop from committing sins.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (layar'awi) "لايَرْعَوِي", which can be translated as "do not stop" or "do not cease." This word emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted nature of committing sins for those who remain behind. It implies that they persist in their sinful behavior without any restraint or remorse.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 85:

Then you are those [same ones who are] killing one another and evicting a party of your people from their homes, cooperating against them in sin and aggression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their eviction was forbidden to you. So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

This verse highlights the consequences of persisting in sinful behavior and cooperating in sin and aggression. It warns of disgrace in worldly life and severe punishment in the Hereafter. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that those who continue to commit sins without repentance or remorse will face the negative consequences of their actions.

Another verse that sheds light on the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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. And whoever of you reverts from his religion [to disbelief] and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally.

This verse highlights the severity of committing sins that lead to disbelief and turning away from the path of Allah. It emphasizes that such actions render one's deeds worthless in both this world and the Hereafter. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the continuous commitment of sins, which can lead to the devaluation of our deeds and the eternal consequences in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in avoiding sinful behavior. It urges us to constantly evaluate our actions and seek repentance for any transgressions we may have committed. By doing so, we can strive to purify our souls and protect ourselves from the negative consequences of persisting in sin.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight and significance. Through this Hadith, he reminds us of the importance of self-accountability and the need to continuously strive for righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to refrain from sin and seek His forgiveness.