Hadith #6068

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أطاعَ اللّهَ عَلا أمْرُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever obeys Allah, his affair becomes elevated.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and the consequences of obeying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (Ataa'a) "أطاعَ" means to obey, to comply, or to follow. It implies submitting oneself willingly and wholeheartedly to the commands and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (Allah) "اللّهَ" refers to the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who possesses all power and authority. And the word (‘Ala) "عَلا" means elevated, exalted, or raised.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nahl (16:50),

And they (the disbelievers) plotted and Allah (also) plotted. And Allah is the best of plotters.

This verse emphasizes the ultimate authority and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we obey Allah, we align ourselves with His divine plan and His perfect wisdom. Our affairs become elevated because we are following the guidance of the One who knows what is best for us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the contrast between the plans of the disbelievers and the plans of Allah. While the disbelievers may plot and scheme against the believers, Allah's plan always prevails. When we obey Allah, we align ourselves with His plan, and our affairs become elevated and protected.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the profound consequences of obeying Allah. When we submit ourselves to the will of Allah and follow His commands, our lives are elevated in every aspect. Our actions become righteous, our decisions become guided, and our hearts become tranquil. We experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that we are living in accordance with the Creator's divine plan.

Moreover, when we obey Allah, we are protected from the harmful consequences of disobedience. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

When we obey Allah, He eases our burdens and grants us the strength to overcome challenges. Our affairs become manageable because we have the support and guidance of the Most Merciful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound consequences of obeying Allah. When we willingly submit ourselves to His commands, our affairs become elevated, protected, and guided. We experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that we are living in accordance with the divine plan. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to obey Him and elevate our affairs.