Hadith #1831

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of striving in obedience to Allah and His messenger. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever dedicates themselves to this pursuit will find their soul safe and sound, protected from the torments of the Hereafter. Additionally, their efforts will yield profitable and gainful results.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The key words in this Hadith are (makes an effort to strive) "بَذَلَ", (his soul) "نَفْسَهُ", (obedience to Allah and His messenger) "طاعَةِ اللّهِ ورَسُولِِهِ", (safe and sound) "ناجِيَةً سالِمَةً", and (profitable and gainful transaction) "صَفْقَتُهُ رابِحَةً غانِمَةً".

To understand the significance of striving in obedience, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the importance of following the Prophet (ﷺ) in order to attain the love and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us:

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His messenger, as well as those in authority, as a means to resolve disputes and seek guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that those who strive in obedience to Allah and His messenger will find their soul safe and sound. This means that their efforts in following the teachings of Islam will protect them from the torments of the Hereafter. This safety and soundness of the soul is a result of their unwavering commitment to righteousness and their avoidance of sinful actions.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures the believers:

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the divine promise of protection and forgiveness for those who fear Allah and strive to obey Him.

Additionally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions that the transaction of the one who strives in obedience will be profitable and gainful. This refers to the rewards and blessings that one will attain in this world and the Hereafter as a result of their dedication to righteousness.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the supplication of the believers, seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. The transaction of striving in obedience to Allah and His messenger is indeed a profitable one, as it leads to the attainment of goodness in both realms.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of making an effort to strive in obedience to Allah and His messenger. By doing so, one will find their soul safe and sound, protected from the torments of the Hereafter. Furthermore, their endeavors will be profitable and gainful, resulting in blessings and rewards in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to strive in obedience and attain the safety and blessings promised in this Hadith.