Hadith #1002

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace 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 seeking a course of action in our endeavors that allows for a credible excuse, establishes evidence, and restores our integrity. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (taḥarra) "تَحَرَّ", which means to seek or strive for. It implies a proactive approach towards our actions and decisions. The second word is (amrik) "أمْرِكَ", which refers to one's work or affairs. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including personal, professional, and spiritual matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek a course of action that enables our excuse to be credible. This means that we should strive to act in a way that allows for a valid justification if we are questioned or held accountable for our actions. This aligns with the Quranic principle of fulfilling our responsibilities and being accountable for our deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

By seeking a course of action that is justifiable, we ensure that we do not burden ourselves or others with unrealistic expectations or responsibilities.

The second aspect mentioned in the Hadith is that our evidence should be established. This implies that we should strive to have solid evidence or proof to support our actions and decisions. This aligns with the Quranic principle of seeking knowledge and basing our beliefs and actions on sound reasoning. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:54):

And those who have been given knowledge will say, 'Indeed, you have remained according to the decree of Allah until the Day of Resurrection...

By seeking knowledge and establishing evidence, we strengthen our arguments and positions, enabling us to make informed decisions and defend our actions when necessary.

The final aspect mentioned in the Hadith is the restoration of our integrity. This implies that our actions should be in line with our values, principles, and the teachings of Islam. By seeking a course of action that upholds our integrity, we ensure that our deeds are sincere and righteous. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness...

By aligning our actions with the principles of justice and righteousness, we not only restore our own integrity but also contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking a course of action that allows for a credible excuse, establishes evidence, and restores our integrity. By striving for these qualities in our work and affairs, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to implement these teachings in our lives.