Hadith #2974

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound statement that reflects his unwavering faith and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its deeper meanings and drawing insights from the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (ankartu) "أنْكَرْتُ", which translates to "rejected" or "denied." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asserts that he has never denied or rejected Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) since the time he came to know Him. This statement highlights the Imam's unwavering belief and submission to the Almighty, emphasizing his profound understanding of Allah's existence and oneness.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 7:172)

And when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we have testified.' [This] - lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, 'Indeed, we were of this unaware'

This verse highlights the primordial covenant that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) made with all human beings, where He asked them if He is their Lord, and they all affirmed it. This covenant signifies the innate recognition of Allah's existence within every human soul. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement echoes this concept, affirming his unwavering belief in Allah since the time he came to know Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon their own relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It prompts us to question whether we have ever denied or rejected Allah's existence, His guidance, or His commandments. It urges us to introspect and ensure that our faith remains steadfast and unwavering, just as Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did.

Furthermore, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in strengthening our faith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, which enabled him to have a deep understanding of Allah's existence and attributes. His statement serves as an inspiration for Muslims to seek knowledge and deepen their understanding of Allah and His teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

I have never rejected Allah from the time that I came to know Him

highlights his unwavering faith and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us of the primordial covenant between Allah and humanity, affirming the innate recognition of Allah's existence within every human soul. It also emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in strengthening our faith. May we all strive to emulate the unwavering faith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and deepen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).