Hadith #1587

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ رَكِبَ الباطِلَ أهْلَكَهُ مَرْكَبُهُ۔

This powerful statement can be translated as,

One who rides on falsehood, his mount will destroy him.

To understand the significance behind this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (batil) "باطِلَ" refers to falsehood, deceit, or anything that is devoid of truth and righteousness. It encompasses actions, beliefs, and intentions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Riding on falsehood implies engaging in and promoting falsehood, whether it be through one's actions, words, or thoughts.

The word (ahlaqahu) "أهْلَكَهُ" means to destroy or ruin. It signifies the ultimate consequence of persisting in falsehood, which is the destruction of one's self, both in this world and the hereafter. This destruction can manifest in various forms, such as loss of reputation, severed relationships, spiritual emptiness, and ultimately, eternal damnation.

The word (markabuhu) "مَرْكَبُهُ" refers to one's mount or means of transportation. In the context of this Hadith, it symbolizes the vehicle through which a person rides on falsehood. It represents the actions, beliefs, or ideologies that one adopts and relies upon to navigate through life.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69),

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving for the truth and righteousness, as Allah promises guidance to those who sincerely seek it.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And so those who were given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path.

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and its role in discerning the truth from falsehood. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and allowing it to guide our actions and beliefs.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand that riding on falsehood leads to destruction because it deviates from the path of truth and righteousness. By engaging in falsehood, one distances themselves from the guidance of Allah and risks losing their way in life. This separation from the truth not only affects their worldly affairs but also jeopardizes their spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of riding on falsehood. He reminds us that our actions, beliefs, and intentions have consequences, and if we choose to persist in falsehood, we will ultimately face destruction.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to align ourselves with the truth and righteousness. We must be vigilant in examining our actions, beliefs, and intentions, ensuring that they are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of falsehood and secure a path towards success in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern truth from falsehood and the strength to always choose the path of righteousness. May He protect us from the destructive consequences of riding on falsehood and guide us to the straight path. Ameen.