Hadith #4213

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,

وَيْلٌ لِمَنْ بُلِيَ بِعِصْيان وحِرْمان وخِذْلان۔

This Hadith is a impactful Hadith that warns of the dire consequences for those who are afflicted with disobedience, deprivation, and abandonment.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. (bulya) "بُلِيَ" refers to being afflicted or tested with hardships and difficulties. (isyan) "عِصْيان" means disobedience, which refers to turning away from the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (hirmān) "حِرْمان" signifies deprivation or being deprived of blessings and favors from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Finally, (khizlān) "خِذْلان" denotes abandonment or being forsaken by Allah's mercy and guidance.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:90),

How wretched is that for which they sold their souls - that they would disbelieve in what Allah has revealed through [their] outrage that Allah would send down His favor upon whom He wills from among His servants. So they returned having [earned] wrath upon wrath. And for the disbelievers is a humiliating punishment.

This verse highlights the consequences of disobedience, as those who turn away from Allah's guidance are deprived of His favor and mercy. They are afflicted with the wrath of Allah and are destined for a humiliating punishment. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:61), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And [recall] when you said, 'O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.' [Moses] said, 'Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked.' And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing.

This verse illustrates the consequences of disobedience and ingratitude. The Children of Israel were deprived of the blessings they had requested due to their disobedience and disbelief in the signs of Allah. They were afflicted with humiliation and poverty, and their disobedience led to their transgression and the killing of the prophets.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that disobedience leads to deprivation and abandonment by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When individuals turn away from the path of righteousness and disobey Allah's commands, they are afflicted with hardships and difficulties. They are deprived of the blessings and favors that Allah bestows upon His obedient servants. Moreover, they are abandoned by Allah's guidance and mercy, leading to a state of spiritual and emotional desolation.

The consequences of disobedience are not limited to this world but extend to the Hereafter as well. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Indeed, those who disbelieve - if they should have all that is in the earth and the like of it with it by which to ransom themselves from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it will not be accepted from them, and for them is a painful punishment.

This verse emphasizes that even if disbelievers were to possess all the wealth and resources of the world, it would not avail them on the Day of Resurrection. The punishment for their disobedience and disbelief will be severe and painful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims of the consequences of disobedience, deprivation, and abandonment. It highlights the importance of steadfastness in following Allah's commands and the path of righteousness. Disobedience leads to deprivation of blessings and abandonment by Allah's guidance, resulting in a state of spiritual desolation. It is crucial for Muslims to reflect upon this Hadith and strive to avoid disobedience, seeking Allah's mercy and favor through obedience and submission to His commands. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from disobedience and grant us His mercy and guidance.