Hadith #6072

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and highlights the protection that comes from following His commands. The key words in this Hadith are (obeys) "أطاعَ", (Allah) "اللّهَ", (the Glorified) "سُبْحَانَهُ", (is not harmed) "لَمْ يَضُرَّهُ", (the resentful) "مَنْ أسْخَطَ", and (from among the people) "مِنَ النّاسِ".

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256, Allah says,

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights that obedience to Allah is a matter of choice and free will. It also assures the believers that by obeying Allah and rejecting false deities, they have firmly held onto a trustworthy handhold that will not break. This is a clear indication that those who obey Allah will be protected from harm.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 160, Allah says,

If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

This verse reminds the believers that their ultimate reliance should be on Allah alone. When they obey Him, they can rest assured that He will protect them from any harm or adversity. It is through this reliance on Allah that they find strength and security.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who obeys Allah is not harmed by the resentful from among the people. This statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims.

When a person chooses to obey Allah and follow His commands, they align themselves with the divine will. They prioritize pleasing Allah over seeking the approval of people. This obedience is not limited to performing acts of worship, but it extends to all aspects of life, including moral conduct, social interactions, and personal relationships.

By obeying Allah, individuals develop a strong connection with Him and become more conscious of His presence in their lives. This consciousness acts as a shield, protecting them from the harm that may come from those who resent or oppose their obedience to Allah.

The resentful mentioned in the Hadith refers to those who harbor ill feelings or animosity towards the believers due to their commitment to righteousness. These resentful individuals may try to harm or undermine the believers in various ways, such as spreading rumors, engaging in slander, or even resorting to physical violence.

However, the obedience to Allah provides a shield of protection. It grants the believers the strength to withstand the harm inflicted by the resentful. This strength comes from the knowledge that their actions are in accordance with the divine guidance and that Allah is their ultimate protector.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights this truth. His statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that their obedience to Allah is not in vain. It is a source of strength, protection, and guidance in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and the protection it provides against the harm that may come from the resentful among the people. By aligning ourselves with the divine will and prioritizing Allah's pleasure over the approval of others, we find strength, security, and guidance. May Allah grant us the ability to obey Him wholeheartedly and protect us from the harm of those who resent our commitment to righteousness.