Hadith #9185

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) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their interactions with individuals in positions of authority. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be wary of two types of people: the noble-minded person when he is humiliated, and the wicked one when he is elevated to a position of power.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term (satwah) "سَطْوَةَ" refers to the authority or power that an individual possesses. It signifies the ability to exercise control and influence over others. The word (karim) "كَريمِ" refers to someone who is noble-minded, honorable, and possesses virtuous qualities. On the other hand, the term (sawrah) "سَوْرَةَ" refers to the vehemence, aggression, or tyranny that a person may exhibit. The word (la'eem) "لَّئِيمِ" refers to someone who is wicked, ignoble, and lacking in moral values.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, social status, or worldly authority. Therefore, when a noble-minded person is humiliated or stripped of their authority, it is crucial for Muslims to recognize their inherent worth and not be swayed by their temporary circumstances. We should continue to respect and value their virtuous qualities, regardless of their current position.

Furthermore, the Quran warns us about the dangers of elevating the wicked to positions of power. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:47), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And Allah is encompassing of what they do.

This verse cautions us against blindly following those who exhibit arrogance, wickedness, and a disregard for the principles of justice and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be discerning in their interactions with individuals in positions of authority. We should not be deceived by temporary circumstances or be swayed by the trappings of power. Instead, we must evaluate individuals based on their character, values, and adherence to the principles of Islam.

For example, if a noble-minded person is humiliated and stripped of their authority, we should not abandon them or underestimate their worth. We should recognize their virtuous qualities and continue to seek their guidance and wisdom. Similarly, if a wicked person is elevated to a position of power, we should not blindly follow or support them. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, righteousness, and the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of heeding Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are profound. By being cautious of the authority of the noble-minded person when they are humiliated, we preserve their dignity and uphold the values they embody. This fosters an environment of respect, empathy, and unity within the Muslim community. Likewise, by being wary of the vehemence of the wicked one when they are elevated, we protect ourselves from being misled and ensure that our actions align with the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be discerning in their interactions with individuals in positions of authority. We should not be swayed by temporary circumstances or the trappings of power. Instead, we must evaluate individuals based on their character, values, and adherence to the principles of Islam. By doing so, we preserve the dignity of the noble-minded and protect ourselves from the influence of the wicked. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to navigate the complexities of authority with righteousness and piety.