Hadith #1583

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 Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لِلباطِلِ جَوْلَةٌ۔" This can be translated as

Falsehood has a [fixed] circuit.

To understand the essence behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (batil) "باطِلِ" refers to falsehood, deceit, or anything that is devoid of truth and righteousness. It represents the opposite of truth and is often associated with lies, deception, and misguidance. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of falsehood and urges us to seek the truth. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:81)

And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

The word (jawla) "جَوْلَةٌ" in the Hadith can be understood as a circuit or a cycle. It implies that falsehood follows a predictable pattern, continuously circulating and returning to its starting point. This means that falsehood may appear in different forms and manifestations, but its essence remains the same. It is a recurring cycle that deceives and misleads people.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us about the consequences of falsehood and the importance of seeking the truth. In Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah says, (Quran 42:6-8)

And those who take allies other than Him - Allah is [yet] Guardian over them; and you, [O Muhammad], are not over them a manager. And thus We have revealed to you an Arabic Qur'an that you may warn the Mother of Cities and those around it and warn of the Day of Assembly, about which there is no doubt. A party will be in Paradise and a party in the Blaze. And if Allah had willed, He could have made them [of] one religion, but He admits whom He wills into His mercy. And the wrongdoers have not any protector or helper.

From this verse, we understand that Allah is the ultimate Guardian and Protector, and those who turn away from Him and embrace falsehood will face dire consequences. The verse also highlights the diversity of beliefs and the importance of individual accountability. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, could have made everyone follow the same religion, but He has given us free will to choose our path. However, it is crucial to remember that the wrongdoers will have no protector or helper on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement about falsehood having a circuit reminds us of the cyclical nature of lies and deceit. Falsehood may temporarily prevail, but it is destined to be exposed and defeated. Just as the night gives way to the dawn, falsehood will eventually be replaced by the truth. Muslims should take solace in this knowledge and remain steadfast in seeking the truth, even when falsehood seems prevalent.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant and discerning in our daily lives. We should not be easily swayed by false narratives or fall into the traps of deception. Instead, we should strive to acquire knowledge, seek the truth, and follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound understanding and knowledge allowed him to recognize the circuit of falsehood and navigate through it with wisdom and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the cyclical nature of falsehood and its ultimate defeat by the truth. It urges us to seek knowledge, remain steadfast in our faith, and be discerning in distinguishing between truth and falsehood. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can protect ourselves from the circuit of falsehood and strive towards righteousness and enlightenment. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the traps of falsehood.