Hadith #125

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the divine blessings that are granted to those who are bestowed with four things: prayer, repentance, seeking forgiveness, and gratitude. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that those who are granted these four things will not be deprived of their corresponding rewards and benefits.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in the light of the Quran.

The first blessing mentioned in the Hadith is prayer (du'a). Prayer is a means of communication between the servant and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a powerful act of worship that allows us to seek guidance, seek forgiveness, and ask for our needs. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in the Quran that He responds to the prayers of His servants:

(Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

Therefore, the one who is allowed to pray and supplicate to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will not be deprived of the response to their prayers. This highlights the importance of turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all matters of life and seeking His guidance and assistance.

The second blessing mentioned is repentance (tawbah). Repentance is a sincere act of seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for our sins and turning away from them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in the Quran that He accepts the repentance of His servants:

(Quran 20:82)

But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.

Therefore, the one who is allowed to offer repentance will not be deprived of its acceptance by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This highlights the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and encourages us to constantly seek His forgiveness and strive to improve ourselves.

The third blessing mentioned is seeking forgiveness (istighfar). Seeking forgiveness is an act of acknowledging our mistakes and seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forgiveness for them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in the Quran that He forgives those who sincerely seek His forgiveness:

(Quran 73:20)

And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.

Therefore, the one who is allowed to seek forgiveness will not be deprived of forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This highlights the importance of acknowledging our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and striving to rectify our actions.

The fourth blessing mentioned is gratitude (shukr). Gratitude is the act of recognizing and appreciating the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to be grateful and promises to increase His blessings upon those who are grateful:

(Quran 14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

Therefore, the one who is allowed to be grateful will not be deprived of the furtherance of favors from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings in our lives and expressing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us about the divine blessings that are granted to those who are bestowed with prayer, repentance, seeking forgiveness, and gratitude. It emphasizes that those who are allowed to engage in these acts of worship and virtue will not be deprived of their corresponding rewards and benefits. This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to constantly turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seek His forgiveness, and express gratitude for His blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fully benefit from these blessings and increase us in His mercy and favor.