Hadith #970

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his awe and admiration for the magnificence of Allah's kingdom. He acknowledges the greatness of what is visible to us, the creation, and yet he humbly recognizes that it is only a fraction of the immense power and sovereignty that is concealed from our limited perception.

The word (ahwala) "أهْولَ" in the hadith refers to the overwhelming awe and astonishment that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) experiences when witnessing the manifestations of Allah's kingdom. It signifies the immense grandeur and majesty that is beyond human comprehension.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then uses the word (ahqara) "أحقَرَ" to contrast the awe-inspiring nature of what is visible to us with the insignificance of what remains hidden from our perception. This word conveys the idea of something being trivial or negligible in comparison to something else.

To better understand the depth of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes His grandeur and sovereignty throughout the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:1), Allah says,

Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent.

This verse highlights the vastness of Allah's dominion and His absolute power over all things. It reminds us that what we witness of His kingdom is only a fraction of His immense sovereignty. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255), Allah says,

His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not.

This verse emphasizes the expanse of Allah's throne, which encompasses the heavens and the earth. It illustrates the vastness of His kingdom and the limitless extent of His power. It serves as a reminder that what we perceive is but a small part of His grand sovereignty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects his deep understanding and appreciation of Allah's greatness. It serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to reflect upon the signs of Allah's kingdom that are visible to us in the world around us. It encourages us to ponder over the intricate design of creation, the beauty of nature, and the harmony in the universe.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words remind us of our limited perception and understanding. They urge us to acknowledge our intellectual limitations and to humbly accept that there is much that is hidden from our sight. This recognition should instill in us a sense of humility and awe towards the grandeur of Allah's sovereignty.

Furthermore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for us to seek knowledge and deepen our understanding of Allah's kingdom. It encourages us to strive for spiritual growth and to constantly seek a closer connection with our Creator.

In conclusion, the wise words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith remind us of the awe-inspiring nature of Allah's kingdom and the limited nature of our perception. They inspire us to reflect upon the signs of Allah's grand sovereignty and to strive for a deeper understanding of His greatness. May Allah grant us the ability to witness His kingdom with humility and awe, and may He guide us to seek knowledge and draw closer to Him.