Hadith #6059

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 protecting ourselves from the punishment of Allah by hastening towards obedience to Him. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The Arabic word (waqqoo) "وَقُّوا" is derived from the root word (waqiyyah) "وَقِيَّة", which means to protect or guard oneself. It implies taking precautions and being vigilant in order to safeguard oneself from harm. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to protect themselves from the punishment of Allah.

The word (anfusakum) "أنْفُسَكُمْ" means yourselves. It emphasizes the individual responsibility of every Muslim to ensure their own well-being and salvation. Each person is accountable for their own actions and must take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the punishment of Allah.

The term (adhabillah) "عَذابِ اللّهِ" refers to the chastisement or punishment of Allah. It encompasses the consequences of disobedience and the retribution that awaits those who transgress the boundaries set by Allah. It serves as a reminder of the severity of Allah's punishment and the need to avoid it at all costs.

The phrase (bil-mubadarah ila ta'atillah)

بِالمُبادَرَةِ إلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ

can be translated as

by hastening towards obedience to Allah.

It highlights the importance of being proactive in our obedience to Allah. It is not enough to simply fulfill our obligations; we must strive to excel in our acts of worship and go above and beyond what is required of us. This proactive approach demonstrates our sincerity and eagerness to please Allah.

To further understand the significance of hastening towards obedience to Allah, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So hasten to good deeds as a competition in them.

This verse encourages Muslims to compete with one another in performing good deeds, striving to excel in acts of righteousness. By hastening towards obedience to Allah, we not only protect ourselves from His punishment but also earn His pleasure and rewards.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, verse 133:

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and striving to attain Paradise. By hastening towards obedience and seeking forgiveness, we can attain the ultimate reward of Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive in their obedience to Allah. By taking the initiative to perform good deeds, seek forgiveness, and avoid sinful actions, we protect ourselves from the punishment of Allah. This Hadith encourages us to constantly strive for excellence in our worship, ensuring that we are not complacent or negligent in fulfilling our duties.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of protecting ourselves from the punishment of Allah by hastening towards obedience to Him. It calls upon Muslims to be proactive in their worship, striving to excel in their acts of righteousness. By doing so, we not only safeguard ourselves from the consequences of disobedience but also earn the pleasure and rewards of Allah. May Allah guide us all to be steadfast in our obedience and protect us from His punishment.