Hadith #11044

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the characteristics of a person whom he rebukes. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that the person in question is

bold in his words but falls short in his actions.

This implies that the individual is eloquent in speech, but their actions do not align with their words. They may make grand promises or claim to possess certain virtues, but their deeds fail to reflect these claims. This serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize actions over mere words, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran:

(Quran 61:2-3)

O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the individual as someone who

rebukes others but flatters himself.

This indicates that the person criticizes and finds fault in others, yet they are blind to their own shortcomings. They may be quick to judge and condemn others, but fail to engage in self-reflection and self-improvement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against such behavior in the Quran:

(Quran 2:44)

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then mentions that this individual has been given respite by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) along with the heedless ones. This means that despite their wrongdoings and lack of sincere repentance, they are still granted time and opportunity to rectify their actions. However, they remain oblivious to the consequences of their actions and continue to live in ignorance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the heedlessness of such individuals in the Quran:

(Quran 17:41)

And We granted respite to them so that they might increase in sinfulness.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes this person as one who

leaves in the morning in the company of sinners without a [straight] path to follow or a leader to [act as a] guide, without any clear knowledge or strong faith.

This indicates that the individual associates themselves with those who engage in sinful activities, lacking a clear moral compass or guidance. They wander aimlessly, without a righteous leader to guide them or a firm understanding of their faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and knowledge in the Quran:

(Quran 13:11)

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.

Finally, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that this person

fears death but does not fear loss [of opportunity to do good deeds for his Hereafter].

This implies that the individual is preoccupied with the fear of death and the transient nature of this world, but fails to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. They are more concerned with worldly gains and pleasures, neglecting the importance of preparing for the afterlife. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 3:185)

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and intentions. It highlights the importance of aligning our words with our deeds, engaging in self-reflection, seeking knowledge and guidance, and prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly pursuits. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these teachings and strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.