Hadith #4856

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 importance of having an inner voice that constantly urges us to obey Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (to obey Allah) "بِطاعَةِ اللّهِ" and (an exhorter in oneself) "مُتَقاض۔". The word "بِطاعَةِ" refers to submission and obedience to the commands of Allah. It encompasses all aspects of worship and righteous deeds. The word "مُتَقاض۔" refers to an inner voice or an inner motivator that urges a person to engage in acts of obedience to Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, as it leads to strength and steadfastness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208, Allah says:

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the need for complete submission to Allah and warns against following the whispers of Satan. It is through constant obedience to Allah that we can protect ourselves from the traps of Shaytan.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that true happiness and felicity lie in having an inner voice that constantly urges us to obey Allah. This inner exhorter acts as a guide, motivating us to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for righteousness.

When we have an exhorter within ourselves, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This inner voice reminds us to fulfill our obligations, such as performing the five daily prayers, giving charity, and observing fasts. It also encourages us to engage in voluntary acts of worship, such as night prayers and recitation of the Quran.

Having an inner exhorter also helps us in making decisions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It reminds us to seek knowledge and consult the Quran and Sunnah before making any choices. This internal motivator pushes us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives, whether it be in our relationships, careers, or personal development.

The consequences of having an exhorter within ourselves are profound. It leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment, as we are constantly striving to please Allah and seek His pleasure. It helps us overcome our desires and temptations, as our inner voice reminds us of the consequences of disobedience. It also strengthens our relationship with Allah, as we become more conscious of His presence in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of having an inner exhorter that urges us to obey Allah. By constantly striving to align our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can attain true happiness and felicity. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate this inner voice and may it guide us on the path of righteousness.