Hadith #5803

All praise is due to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and blessings upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his righteous companions.

In the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we find profound wisdom encapsulated in the words. The term (al-musalli) "المُصَلّي" refers to the one who performs Salah, the ritual prayer in Islam. The word (yaghshahu) "يَغْشاهُ" means to envelop or cover, indicating the encompassing nature of divine mercy. (ar-rahmah) "الرَّحْمَةِ" signifies mercy, compassion, and grace from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (as-sujood) "السُّجُودِ" refers to the act of prostration, the most humble position a believer can assume in prayer.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of Salah and the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in several verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186), Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says:

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the closeness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to His servants, especially during acts of worship like Salah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), it is stated:

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse underscores the proximity of Allah's mercy to those who engage in righteous deeds, including the sincere performance of Salah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and spiritual insight, conveys through this Hadith the immense spiritual benefit and divine mercy that descends upon a believer during Salah, particularly in the state of sujood. Sujood is not merely a physical act but a profound expression of humility and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is in this state that a believer is closest to their Creator, as indicated in Surah Al-Alaq (96:19):

But prostrate and draw near [to Allah].

The Hadith suggests that if a believer truly comprehended the magnitude of mercy and blessings that envelop them during sujood, they would remain in that state, overwhelmed by the divine grace. This understanding serves as a motivation for Muslims to approach their prayers with greater sincerity and mindfulness, recognizing the spiritual elevation and mercy bestowed upon them.

The consequences of such awareness are profound. It transforms the act of Salah from a routine obligation to a deeply spiritual experience, fostering a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This heightened state of consciousness can lead to greater piety, humility, and a more profound sense of peace and contentment in one's life.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to delve deeper into their spiritual practices, seeking to experience the divine mercy that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) speaks of. By doing so, they can attain a higher level of spiritual fulfillment and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), ultimately leading to a more righteous and fulfilling life.