Hadith #4290

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لِكُلِّ غَيْبَة إيابٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

For every absence, there is a return.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ghaybah) "غَيْبَة" in this Hadith refers to an absence or a state of being hidden or concealed. It can also imply the absence of a leader or a guide. The word (iyyabun) "إيابٌ" means a return or a coming back.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:49)

And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, 'How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure].'

This verse highlights the concept of return after an absence, as Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) returned to his people after being away.

Another verse that sheds light on the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anbiya, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 21:73)

And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.

Here, the Quran emphasizes the importance of having leaders who guide the people and return to them after their absence.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) conveys a enlightening message. It reminds us that every absence, whether it be the absence of a leader, a guide, or a loved one, is temporary. Just as Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) returned to his people, there is always a return after an absence.

This Hadith also holds a deeper spiritual meaning. It reminds us that even when we feel distant from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), there is always a way back to His mercy and guidance. It serves as a source of hope and reassurance for Muslims, reminding them that no matter how lost or disconnected they may feel, they can always find their way back to Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) love and forgiveness.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of having righteous leaders and guides in our lives. Just as the return of Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) brought guidance and relief to his people, the return of a wise and just leader can bring stability and prosperity to a community. It reminds us of the significance of seeking knowledge and following the teachings of those who possess it, such as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "لِكُلِّ غَيْبَة إيابٌ۔" conveys a powerful message of hope, reassurance, and guidance. It reminds us that every absence, whether physical or spiritual, is temporary, and there is always a return. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, following righteous leaders, and finding our way back to Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mercy and guidance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and embrace the returns in our lives and to always seek His guidance.