Those Who Lead Others Astray

Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Verily the most evil of people in the sight of Allah is the tyrannical leader who himself has gone astray and through whom others go astray. He abolishes established practices and revives abandoned innovations.

Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Verily the most detested of all people in the sight of Allah are two: the man whom Allah has relegated to his own carnal self, so he has deviated from the straight path and is passionately fond of talking about innovations and misguiding others towards the wrong path. He tempts those who are charmed by him. He himself has strayed away from the guidance of his predecessors, and misleads those who follow him during his life as well as after his death. He carries the burden of others sins and is entangled in his own misdeeds…

Imam Ali (AS) said in his description of the hypocrites, ‘I warn you against the hypocrites, for verily they are themselves misguided and they misguide other people. They have slipped and they cause others to slip too.