Hadith #5141

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 valuable reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant when it comes to dealing with individuals who possess wicked intentions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be wary of such individuals during times of power and authority, as they may seek to undermine and take away our position. Similarly, we are also cautioned to be cautious when power and authority depart from us, as these individuals may gather support against us.

To better understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (sharīr) "شَّرِيرَ" refers to someone who is wicked, evil, or malicious in their intentions and actions. This individual is someone who seeks to harm and cause chaos. The word (iqbāl) "إقْبالِ" means the coming or arrival of power and authority, while (idbār) "إدْبارِ" signifies the departure or end of power and authority.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the presence of wicked individuals who may try to deceive and harm us. Allah says in verse 268:

Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse reminds us that the wicked ones may use their power and authority to manipulate and exploit others for their own gain. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be cautious and not fall into their traps.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to be just and fair in our dealings, even if it goes against our own interests. Allah says:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being cautious and not aligning ourselves with those who seek to harm others or act unjustly, even if they offer us temporary benefits or support.

Now, let us reflect on the profound advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the provided Hadith. The Imam warns us to be wary of the wicked ones during the coming of power and authority. This is because individuals with malicious intentions may try to manipulate and exploit the situation for their own benefit, ultimately causing harm and taking away our position. We must be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that we do not fall prey to their deceitful tactics.

Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious during the departure of power and authority. This is a critical time when the wicked ones may gather support against us, seeking to undermine our position and cause us harm. We must remain steadfast and not allow ourselves to be swayed by their false promises or alliances. Instead, we should seek the guidance of Allah and rely on His support, knowing that He is the ultimate source of power and authority.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timely reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with individuals who possess wicked intentions. By reflecting on the Quranic verses mentioned, we understand the importance of being just, fair, and discerning in our interactions, especially during times of power and authority. May Allah protect us from the wicked ones and grant us the wisdom to navigate through challenging situations.