Hadith #8580

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 righteous companions.

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

Verily if you turn towards Allah you have progressed, and if you turn away from Him, you have regressed.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the consequences of our actions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aqbal-tum) "أقْبَلْتُمْ" means "you have progressed" or "you have advanced." It signifies moving forward, making positive strides, and drawing closer to Allah. On the other hand, the word (adbar-tum) "أدْبَرْتُمْ" means "you have regressed" or

you have turned away.

It implies moving backward, distancing oneself from Allah, and taking steps in the wrong direction.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165),

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of turning towards Allah and loving Him above all else. When we prioritize our relationship with Allah and seek His pleasure, we are indeed progressing in our faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:54), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers.

This verse emphasizes the consequences of turning away from Allah. When we distance ourselves from Him, we risk losing His love and His guidance.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that our progress or regression is directly linked to our relationship with Allah. When we turn towards Him, we embark on a path of spiritual growth, righteousness, and closeness to our Creator. This entails fulfilling our obligations, performing acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and striving to embody the teachings of Islam.

Conversely, when we turn away from Allah, we distance ourselves from His mercy, guidance, and blessings. This can manifest in various ways, such as neglecting our prayers, indulging in sinful behavior, or prioritizing worldly desires over our spiritual well-being. By doing so, we regress in our faith and jeopardize our ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter.

It is crucial for us as Muslims to constantly evaluate our relationship with Allah and strive to strengthen it. We must be vigilant in recognizing any signs of regression and take immediate steps to rectify our course. By turning towards Allah, we open the doors of His mercy, forgiveness, and guidance. We experience a sense of peace, contentment, and purpose that can only be attained through a deep connection with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah. It highlights the consequences of turning towards or away from Him and emphasizes the importance of progressing in our faith. May Allah guide us all to turn towards Him and grant us the strength to continuously strive for His pleasure.