Hadith #5987

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 Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أطيعُوا اللّهَ حَسَبَ ما أمَرَكُمْ بِهِ رُسُلُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Obey Allah in accordance with what His Prophets have commanded you.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (Ati'u) "أطيعُوا" means to obey, submit, and comply. It signifies a complete surrender to the commandments of Allah. (Allah) "اللّهَ" refers to the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. (Hasaba) "حَسَبَ" means in accordance with or according to. It emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of Allah's Prophets. (Ma) "ما" is a pronoun that refers to what or whatever. (Amara kum) "أمَرَكُمْ" means has commanded you, indicating the divine instructions given by the Prophets. Finally, (Bihi) "بِهِ" means with it, referring to the commandments of the Prophets.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which is the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obeying Him and His Prophets in the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:32), Allah says,

Say, 'Obey Allah and the Messenger.' But if they turn away - then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers.

This verse clearly highlights the significance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah states,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying not only Allah and His Messenger but also those in authority, who are appointed by Allah. It is important to note that the Prophets are the chosen representatives of Allah, and their commandments are a reflection of His will.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that obedience to Allah is inseparable from obedience to His Prophets. The Prophets were sent by Allah to guide humanity and convey His message. Their teachings and commandments are a means through which we can attain closeness to Allah and seek His pleasure.

By following the commandments of the Prophets, we align ourselves with the divine will and establish a strong connection with Allah. This obedience leads to spiritual growth, righteousness, and ultimately, success in this world and the hereafter. Disobedience, on the other hand, leads to spiritual decline, moral corruption, and separation from the mercy of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the guidance of the Prophets is a source of light and guidance in our lives. Their commandments are not arbitrary; rather, they are based on divine wisdom and knowledge. By obeying them, we are following the path that leads to righteousness and success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of obeying Allah in accordance with the commandments of His Prophets. It reminds us that the Prophets were chosen by Allah to guide humanity, and their teachings are a means of attaining closeness to Him. By following their commandments, we align ourselves with the divine will and establish a strong connection with Allah. May Allah guide us to obey Him and His Prophets and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.