Hadith #6022

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

تَوَسَّلْ بِطاعَةِ اللّهِ تُنْجِحْ۔

This can be translated as,

Seek intercession through the obedience of Allah and you will succeed.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (tawassul) "تَوَسَّلْ" in this Hadith refers to seeking intercession or drawing closer to Allah through a means or medium. It implies seeking the help, support, and blessings of Allah by utilizing the means that He has prescribed. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the most effective means of seeking intercession is through the obedience of Allah.

The word (ta'at) "طاعَةِ" means obedience, compliance, or submission. It signifies adhering to the commandments of Allah and following His guidance in all aspects of life. It encompasses both the external actions and the internal state of the heart. True obedience to Allah requires sincerity, humility, and a genuine desire to please Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek intercession through the obedience of Allah, highlighting the importance of aligning our actions with His commands. By doing so, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of obedience to Allah. Allah says in 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 verse emphasizes that true love for Allah is manifested through following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and obeying his teachings.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse highlights the importance of obedience to both Allah and His Messenger, as well as those in positions of authority who uphold the teachings of Islam. By obeying them, we seek intercession through their guidance and attain success in our endeavors.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that seeking intercession through the obedience of Allah leads to success. This success encompasses both worldly achievements and spiritual fulfillment. When we align our actions with the commandments of Allah, we are blessed with His guidance, protection, and support. Our endeavors become infused with divine blessings, and we are more likely to achieve our goals.

Moreover, seeking intercession through the obedience of Allah has profound consequences on our spiritual journey. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and deepens our faith. By obeying His commandments, we purify our hearts and strive for righteousness. This obedience becomes a means of drawing closer to Allah and attaining His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking intercession through the obedience of Allah. By aligning our actions with His commandments, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter. This Hadith is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger. May Allah guide us all to seek intercession through His obedience and grant us success in all our endeavors.