Hadith #1585

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ رَكِبَ الباطِلَ نَدِمَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who embarks on falsehood, regrets.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (batil) "باطِلَ" refers to falsehood, deceit, or anything that goes against the truth. It encompasses lies, deception, and all forms of dishonesty. The word (nadima) "نَدِمَ" means to regret, feel remorse, or experience deep sorrow for one's actions.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:144),

And of the grazing livestock are carriers [of burdens] and those [too] small. Eat of what Allah has provided for you and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse warns us against following the footsteps of Satan, who is the embodiment of falsehood. By embarking on falsehood, one unknowingly aligns themselves with the path of Satan. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that He has provided us with sustenance, both physical and spiritual, and encourages us to partake in what is lawful and pure.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.' Indeed, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls will surround them. And if they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds [their] faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the truth, which is from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Those who choose to embark on falsehood will face severe consequences. They will be surrounded by the walls of a fire, and when they seek relief, they will be given a drink that scalds their faces. This serves as a powerful reminder of the regret and torment that awaits those who choose the path of falsehood.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that it serves as a warning against the consequences of engaging in falsehood. When one chooses to embark on falsehood, they may initially be enticed by its allure, but eventually, regret and remorse will consume them. This regret stems from the realization that they have strayed from the path of truth and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of staying away from falsehood. By doing so, he encourages Muslims to seek the truth, adhere to it, and avoid the pitfalls of deception and dishonesty. This Hadith serves as a reminder that the temporary gains of falsehood are outweighed by the everlasting regret and consequences it brings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the regret that accompanies the choice to embark on falsehood. It urges us to seek the truth, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has guided us through His divine revelation. Let us strive to align ourselves with the path of truth and righteousness, avoiding the pitfalls of falsehood, and seeking the eternal pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to always choose the path of truth and protect us from the regret that accompanies falsehood.