Hadith #3987

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the divine guidance and clarity that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon humanity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has illuminated the path of truth and made its ways clear. This illumination and clarity are essential for individuals to navigate their lives in accordance with the divine will.

The word (anara) "أنارَ" in the Hadith means to illuminate or light up. It signifies the divine guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided to humanity through various means, such as the Quran, the Prophets, and the Imams. This illumination serves as a beacon of light, guiding Muslims towards the path of truth and righteousness.

The word (sabeel) "سَبِيلَ" refers to the path or way. In the context of this Hadith, it represents the path of truth and righteousness that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has illuminated for humanity. This path is the one that leads to salvation and eternal felicity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that there are two possible outcomes for individuals who encounter this illuminated path. The first outcome is (shiqwah lazimah) "شِقْوَةٌ لازِمَةٌ", which can be translated as inescapable wretchedness or misery. This refers to those who choose to deviate from the path of truth and righteousness, leading to a life filled with hardships, regrets, and spiritual emptiness.

The second outcome mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (sa'adah da'imah) "سَعَادَةٌ دَائِمَةٌ", which means eternal felicity or everlasting happiness. This outcome is reserved for those who adhere to the path of truth and righteousness, seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following His commands. These individuals experience a life filled with blessings, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of following the path of truth and righteousness, while warning against the consequences of deviating from it.

In Surah Al-An'am (6:153), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

This verse highlights the straight path of truth that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ordained for humanity. Following this path leads to righteousness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), while deviating from it leads to separation from His way and the consequent loss of spiritual guidance and blessings.

In Surah Yunus (10:25), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) invites humanity to the Home of Peace, which is the ultimate felicity and eternal happiness. He guides those whom He wills to the straight path, indicating that it is through His divine guidance that individuals can attain eternal felicity.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided clear guidance for humanity through the path of truth. This guidance is a source of illumination, leading individuals towards either inescapable wretchedness or eternal felicity.

It is incumbent upon Muslims to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of the Quran, and follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By adhering to the path of truth and righteousness, Muslims can strive for eternal felicity and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the straight path and grant us eternal felicity.