Hadith #2951

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) as the foundation of religion and the pillar of certitude. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (asas) "أساس" means foundation. It refers to the fundamental basis upon which something is built. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies that the Ahl al-Bayt are the very essence and core of the religion of Islam. They are the source from which all principles and teachings of Islam emanate. This concept is beautifully reflected in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 7, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

The word (imad) "عِمَاد" means pillar. It represents a strong support that upholds and sustains something. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies that the Ahl al-Bayt are the pillars of certitude, providing unwavering support and guidance to the believers. They are the source of steadfastness and unwavering faith. This concept is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that those who have exceeded the limits, or (al-ghali) "الغالِي", return to the Ahl al-Bayt. This refers to those who have deviated from the true teachings of Islam and have gone astray in their beliefs and actions. They are urged to return to the Ahl al-Bayt, seeking guidance and correction. This concept is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 67, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that those who are behind, or (at-tali) "التّالِي", join the Ahl al-Bayt. This refers to those who are lagging behind in their understanding and practice of Islam. They are encouraged to come forward and align themselves with the Ahl al-Bayt, seeking knowledge and spiritual growth. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 17, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. We have made clear to you the signs; perhaps you will understand.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise words in this Hadith highlight the pivotal role of the Ahl al-Bayt in the religion of Islam. They are the foundation upon which the principles of Islam are built, and they provide unwavering support and guidance to the believers. Those who have deviated from the true path are urged to return to the Ahl al-Bayt, seeking correction and guidance, while those who are lagging behind are encouraged to join them, seeking knowledge and spiritual growth.

As Muslims, we should strive to understand and implement the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt in our lives. By following their example and seeking their guidance, we can strengthen our faith, correct our mistakes, and grow closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to benefit from the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt.