Hadith #8061

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), he speaks about someone who is deserving of praise. The Imam describes this individual as someone who has not been killed by the lethal poisons of delusion and has not been covered or overcome by the uncertainties of matters. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words used in this hadith.

The word (qatilatu al-ghuroor) "قاتِلاتُ الغُرُورِ" refers to the lethal poisons of delusion. Delusion is a state of being deceived or misled, where one's perception of reality becomes distorted. It is a dangerous state that can lead a person astray from the path of truth and righteousness. The Imam is emphasizing that the person he is praising has not fallen victim to the traps of delusion, indicating their strong sense of discernment and clarity of thought.

The phrase (mushtabihat al-umoor) "مُشْتَبِهاتُ الأُمُورِ" translates to the uncertainties of matters. This refers to situations or issues that are ambiguous or unclear, causing confusion and doubt. The Imam is highlighting that the person he is praising has not been covered or overcome by these uncertainties, suggesting their ability to navigate through complex situations with wisdom and certainty.

To further understand the depth of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not blindly accepting it. It cautions against being swayed by delusions or false narratives, as they can lead to harmful consequences.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers regarding the pilgrimage, saying,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the significance of having a clear understanding and discernment in matters of faith and life. It encourages believers to prioritize righteousness and to approach situations with wisdom and understanding.

Reflecting upon the exegesis of this hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is praising someone who possesses the qualities of discernment, clarity of thought, and wisdom. This individual is not easily swayed by delusions or uncertainties, but rather approaches matters with a deep understanding and righteousness. They are able to distinguish truth from falsehood, making informed decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of ignorance and confusion.

The consequences of embodying the qualities described in this hadith are profound. By being immune to the lethal poisons of delusion and uncertainties, one can safeguard their faith, protect themselves from harmful influences, and make sound judgments. This leads to a life of righteousness, guided by the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Quran.

As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves. We should seek knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and approach matters with wisdom and understanding. By doing so, we can navigate through the complexities of life, avoid falling into delusions, and make decisions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to discern truth from falsehood, protect us from the poisons of delusion, and guide us on the path of righteousness. And may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny.