Hadith #9371

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

دَوْلَةُ اللَّئيمِ تَكْشِفُ مَساوِيَهُ ومَعايِبَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The authority of a vile person manifests his evil traits and flaws.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran. The word (dawla) "دَوْلَةُ" refers to authority or leadership. It signifies the position of power and influence that an individual holds. The word (la'eem) "لَّئِيمِ" is derived from the root word "لَءَمَةٌ" which means vile, wicked, or despicable. It refers to a person who possesses negative qualities and engages in immoral behavior.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the authority or leadership of such a person exposes his true nature, bringing to light his evil traits and flaws. This means that when a vile person is given authority, his true character is revealed through his actions and decisions. The power he holds allows him to act upon his wicked inclinations, leading to detrimental consequences for the society under his rule.

This concept is beautifully reflected in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of placing corrupt individuals in positions of authority. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 5, Allah says,

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of appointing just and righteous leaders who will protect the rights of the oppressed and ensure justice prevails.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 44, Allah states,

We gave the Book to those We have chosen from Our servants. So of them is he who wrongs himself, and of them is he who is moderate, and of them is he who is foremost in good deeds by permission of Allah. That [inheritance] is what is the great bounty.

This verse highlights the diversity among those who are given authority. Some individuals may misuse their power and oppress others, while others may use it wisely and for the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the character and qualities of a leader are of utmost importance. It is not enough for a person to hold a position of authority; their moral compass, integrity, and righteousness must also be considered. Placing a vile person in a position of power will only lead to chaos, injustice, and the manifestation of their evil traits.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw parallels to our present-day world. We witness the consequences of corrupt leadership in various parts of the world, where the authority of vile individuals has resulted in the oppression and suffering of innocent people. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for justice, righteousness, and integrity in all aspects of life, including the selection of our leaders.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the authority of a vile person reveals their true character and exposes their evil traits and flaws. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of appointing just and righteous leaders. As Muslims, we must strive for integrity and righteousness in all aspects of life, including the selection of our leaders, in order to establish a just and prosperous society. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness.