Hadith #9835

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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) warns us about the dangers of prioritizing worldly power and authority over our religion. Let us delve into the meaning of this profound statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (deen) "دين" in this Hadith refers to our faith, religion, and the principles that guide our lives. It encompasses our beliefs, worship, and moral values. The word (khadiman) "خادِماً" means subservient or subordinate, indicating that one's religion is made secondary to their kingship or worldly authority. The term (mulk) "مُلْكِهِ" refers to kingship, dominion, or worldly power.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that when a person places their religion in a subservient position to their worldly power, it becomes a tool for personal gain and manipulation. This leads to a situation where every person covets and desires that religion, as it becomes a means of control and influence.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our faith over worldly desires. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, Allah says,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the danger of placing anything or anyone on the same level as Allah, including worldly power or authority.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, Allah narrates the story of two men, one of whom was blessed with gardens and abundant wealth. However, instead of recognizing that his blessings were from Allah, he became arrogant and said,

I do not think that this will perish - ever. And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return.

This example serves as a reminder that worldly possessions and power are temporary, while our faith and relationship with Allah are eternal.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith cautions us against the dangers of allowing our religion to be compromised or manipulated for personal gain. When individuals prioritize their worldly authority over their faith, they may use religion as a means to control and manipulate others. This can lead to corruption, oppression, and the distortion of religious teachings.

We can observe historical examples where individuals in positions of power have exploited religion for their own benefit, causing division and strife among Muslims. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to remain vigilant and ensure that our faith remains pure and untainted by worldly desires.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the true purpose of our religion. Our faith should guide our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. It should be a source of justice, compassion, and righteousness. When we prioritize our religion over worldly power, we are more likely to uphold these values and strive for the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against making our religion subservient to worldly power. It reminds us to prioritize our faith and not allow it to be manipulated or used for personal gain. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to uphold the true essence of our religion and ensure that it remains a source of guidance and righteousness for all Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the pitfalls of worldly desires and grant us the strength to prioritize our faith above all else.