Hadith #11088

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes three important aspects of a Muslim's life: revering Allah, abstaining from what He has forbidden, and loving those whom He loves. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Revere Allah the Glorified.

The word (waqqiru) "وَقِّرُوا" is derived from the root word (waqara) "وَقَرَ", which means to honor, respect, and revere. It implies recognizing the greatness, majesty, and perfection of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This reverence should manifest in our hearts, actions, and worship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:32),

That (is so). And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to

keep away from what He has forbidden.

The word (maharimahu) "مَحَارِمَهُ" refers to the prohibitions and boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all that is forbidden in Islam, including sins, vices, and immoral actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:7),

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from.

The third part of the Hadith instructs us to

love those whom He loves.

This love encompasses the love for the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the family of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the righteous believers. It is a love that is based on their piety, knowledge, and adherence to the teachings of Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Imran, 3:31),

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims in their relationship with Allah and their fellow human beings. By revering Allah, we acknowledge His greatness and submit to His commands. This reverence should be reflected in our daily lives through acts of worship, obedience, and gratitude.

Abstaining from what Allah has forbidden is a crucial aspect of our faith. It requires us to be conscious of our actions and to avoid engaging in any behavior that goes against the teachings of Islam. This includes refraining from sins such as lying, backbiting, cheating, and engaging in unlawful transactions. By doing so, we purify our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah.

Loving those whom Allah loves is an essential part of our faith. It entails showing affection, respect, and support to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous believers. This love is not merely a sentimental feeling but is demonstrated through following their teachings, seeking their guidance, and emulating their noble qualities. By doing so, we align ourselves with the path of righteousness and earn the love and blessings of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the fundamental principles of Islam: revering Allah, abstaining from what He has forbidden, and loving those whom He loves. These principles are deeply rooted in the Quran and serve as a guide for Muslims in their journey towards spiritual growth and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and earn His pleasure.