Hadith #9873

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 states,

شَرُّ الوُزَراءِ مَنْ كانَ لِلأشْرارِ وَزيراً۔

This statement highlights the detrimental nature of a vizier who serves the wicked. To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The term (wuzara) "وُزَراءِ" refers to viziers or ministers, individuals who hold positions of authority and influence in the government. They are entrusted with making important decisions and advising the ruler. The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" means the worst or most evil. It signifies the negative consequences and harm that can arise from a particular action or behavior. Lastly, (al-ashrar) "الأشْرارِ" refers to the wicked or vicious individuals who possess immoral qualities and engage in harmful actions.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2: (And do not cooperate in sin and aggression)

وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ

This verse emphasizes the importance of not assisting or supporting those who engage in wrongdoing and transgression. It serves as a reminder that aligning oneself with the wicked can lead to negative consequences and harm.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 73, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (And those who disbelieve are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on earth and great corruption)

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءُ بَعْضٍۢ ۚ إِلَّا تَفْعَلُوهُ تَكُن فِتْنَةٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَفَسَادٌۭ كَبِيرٌۭ

This verse highlights the dangers of forming alliances with those who oppose the truth and engage in disbelief. Such alliances can lead to chaos, corruption, and widespread mischief.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith in a broader context. The worst kind of vizier is one who aligns himself with the wicked and supports their harmful actions. By doing so, the vizier becomes complicit in their wrongdoing and contributes to the corruption and chaos in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a cautionary reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and the positions of authority they hold. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals and working towards the betterment of society. A vizier who aligns himself with the wicked not only compromises his own integrity but also contributes to the deterioration of the society he is meant to serve.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of integrity, righteousness, and accountability in positions of authority. It is incumbent upon Muslims to choose leaders and advisors who possess noble qualities and strive for justice and righteousness. By doing so, we can work towards creating a just and harmonious society, free from corruption and wickedness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to choose wise and righteous leaders and protect us from the harm of aligning ourselves with the wicked. Ameen.