Hadith #5997

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (ajdaru) "أجْدَرُ" in the Hadith refers to those who are most deserving or worthy. It highlights the fact that Allah's mercy is not arbitrary, but rather it is bestowed upon those who truly deserve it. This deservingness is determined by one's level of steadfastness in obedience to Allah.

The word (rahmati) "رَحْمَةِ" in the Hadith means mercy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the source of all mercy, and His mercy encompasses everything. It is through His mercy that we are guided, forgiven, and granted blessings. Therefore, to be deserving of Allah's mercy is a tremendous honor and a sign of His favor upon an individual.

The word (aqwamuhum) "أقْوَمُهُمْ" in the Hadith refers to those who are most steadfast or upright. It signifies individuals who are firm and resolute in their obedience to Allah, consistently adhering to His commands and refraining from His prohibitions. Such individuals are not swayed by the temptations of this world, but rather remain steadfast in their devotion to Allah.

To further understand the significance of steadfastness in obedience, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah says,

O you who have believed, be steadfast, persevere in patience, compete in steadfastness, and be mindful of Allah, that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and patience in the face of challenges and trials. It is through steadfastness that we can attain success in this life and the Hereafter.

Another verse that highlights the importance of steadfastness is found in Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:13), where Allah says,

Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained steadfast - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'

This verse assures us that those who remain steadfast in their belief and obedience to Allah will be rewarded with the glad tidings of Paradise.

The consequences of being the most deserving of Allah's mercy are immense. It means being under the special care and protection of Allah, receiving His guidance and forgiveness, and being granted blessings and rewards in this life and the Hereafter. It also means being shielded from the punishment and displeasure of Allah. Such individuals are truly blessed and have a close relationship with Allah.

The motivation to be steadfast in obedience to Allah stems from our love and gratitude towards Him. We recognize that Allah's mercy is boundless, and we strive to earn His pleasure and favor. We are motivated by the desire to attain success in this life and the Hereafter, and to be among those who are deserving of Allah's mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of steadfastness in obedience to Allah. It emphasizes that those who are most deserving of Allah's mercy are those who remain steadfast in their devotion to Him. This steadfastness is a reflection of our love and gratitude towards Allah, and it brings about numerous blessings and rewards. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to be among those who are steadfast in His obedience.