Hadith #176

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.

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

مَنْ أَبْدَى صَفْحَتَهُ لِلْحَقِّ هَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever turned away from right was ruined.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (abdā) "أَبْدَى" in this Hadith refers to someone who openly and willingly turns away from the truth. It signifies a deliberate act of rejecting the path of righteousness and embracing falsehood. The word (safhatahu) "صَفْحَتَهُ" means one's face or countenance, symbolizing one's entire being and essence. And (lil-haqqi) "لِلْحَقِّ" means towards the truth, indicating the right path prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the consequences of turning away from the truth, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus (10:27),

But those who have earned [blame for] evil doings - the recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent, and humiliation will cover them. They will have from Allah no protector. It will be as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night - so dark [are they]. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

This ayah highlights the consequences of turning away from the truth and committing evil deeds. Those who choose to reject the path of righteousness will face humiliation and darkness in this world and the Hereafter. Their faces will be covered with pieces of the night, symbolizing the darkness and despair that engulfs them. They will be deprived of Allah's protection and will be destined for the eternal punishment of the Fire.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to always uphold the truth and never deviate from it. It emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of challenges and temptations. By adhering to the truth, we safeguard our faith, protect our souls, and secure our ultimate success in the Hereafter.

When individuals turn away from the truth, they not only harm themselves but also contribute to the corruption and chaos in society. Their actions have far-reaching consequences that affect not only their own lives but also the lives of others. By choosing falsehood over truth, they become a source of misguidance and destruction.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) always stood firmly on the path of truth, even in the face of adversity. His unwavering commitment to righteousness serves as a shining example for Muslims to emulate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the dire consequences of turning away from the truth. It urges us to remain steadfast in upholding the principles of Islam and to resist the temptations of falsehood. By doing so, we protect ourselves from ruin and ensure our success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and grant us the strength to always choose truth over falsehood.