Hadith #11279

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لادَليلَ أرْشَدُ مِنَ الهُدى۔

This can be translated as,

There is no guide better than true guidance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ḍalīl) "دَلِيل" in Arabic refers to a guide or an indicator that leads one towards a certain path or truth. It is someone or something that provides clear evidence or guidance. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no guide better than (al-hudā) "الهُدى", which means true guidance.

The concept of guidance is central to the Quran, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking and following the right path. In Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite, (Quran 1:6)

Guide us to the straight path

This verse highlights the significance of seeking guidance from Allah, the ultimate source of true guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 17:9)

Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable

The Quran itself is the ultimate guide, providing comprehensive guidance for all aspects of life. It is the source of true guidance that leads us towards righteousness and success in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate to the city of knowledge, understood the importance of true guidance. He recognized that there is no guide better than the guidance provided by Allah through the Quran. His statement in this Hadith emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and following the teachings of the Quran.

True guidance, as mentioned in the Hadith, encompasses various aspects of life. It includes guidance in matters of faith, morality, ethics, relationships, and decision-making. It is the guidance that aligns our actions with the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and leads us towards spiritual growth and righteousness.

When we adhere to true guidance, we are protected from the pitfalls of ignorance, confusion, and misguidance. True guidance enlightens our hearts and minds, enabling us to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It empowers us to make informed choices and live a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, the Hadith reminds us of the consequences of following false guides. False guides can be in the form of misleading ideologies, desires, or individuals who claim to possess knowledge but lead others astray. They may present themselves as guides, but their guidance is flawed and does not lead to true success and salvation.

In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns, (Quran 28:50)

And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah?

This verse highlights the danger of following one's desires without seeking true guidance from Allah. It emphasizes the importance of relying on the Quran as the ultimate source of guidance.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the crucial role that true guidance plays in our lives as Muslims. It is through seeking and following true guidance that we can navigate the complexities of this world and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

As Muslims, we should constantly strive to deepen our understanding of the Quran and implement its teachings in our daily lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with the ultimate guide, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and ensure that our actions are in accordance with His will. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek and follow true guidance and protect us from the misleading paths.