Hadith #3519

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لَمْ يُدارِ مَنْ فَوْقَهُ لَمْ يُدْرِكْ بِغْيَتَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being amicable and respectful towards those who are in positions of authority or knowledge. The word (yudāri) "يُدارِ" means to be amicable or friendly, while (man fawqahu) "مَنْ فَوْقَهُ" refers to someone who is above or superior to us. The phrase (lam yudrik bi-ghayatahu) "لَمْ يُدْرِكْ بِغْيَتَهُ" translates to

will not realize his goal.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 59, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse highlights the importance of obeying those in positions of authority, as they have been appointed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to guide and lead the community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us to seek guidance and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our endeavors, including those that involve interacting with those in positions of authority.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us of the importance of maintaining good relations with those who are above us in terms of knowledge, authority, or social status. By being amicable and respectful towards them, we open ourselves up to learning from their wisdom and experiences.

When we disregard or neglect the guidance and teachings of those who are superior to us, we limit our own potential for growth and success. Just as a student must be receptive to the knowledge imparted by their teacher, we must also be open to the wisdom and guidance of those who are more knowledgeable than us. By doing so, we can attain our goals and aspirations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for our personal and spiritual development. It reminds us that humility and respect are essential qualities for acquiring knowledge and achieving our goals. By recognizing the expertise and authority of those above us, we create an environment of mutual respect and cooperation, which ultimately leads to personal growth and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be amicable and respectful towards those who are in positions of authority or knowledge. By doing so, we open ourselves up to learning from their wisdom and experiences, which ultimately helps us in realizing our goals. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek guidance from the Quran in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and humility to benefit from those who are above us and bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.