Hadith #5983

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أطِعْ تُرْبَحْ۔" which translates to

Obey [Allah] and you will gain.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their meanings. The word (ati') "أطِعْ" means to obey, to submit, and to follow the commandments of Allah. It encompasses both outward actions and inward intentions, emphasizing the importance of complete obedience to the Divine Will. The word (turbaḥ) "تُرْبَحْ" means to gain, to profit, and to benefit. It signifies the rewards and blessings that one attains by adhering to the path of obedience.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and its positive consequences. In Surah Al Imran, verse 31, Allah says,

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 ayah highlights the reciprocal nature of obedience and love. By obeying Allah and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we earn the love and forgiveness of Allah.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al Anfal, verse 46, where Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of unity and obedience to the commandments of Allah and His Messenger. By obeying Allah and His Messenger, we strengthen our faith and find solace in the knowledge that Allah is with those who are patient and steadfast.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that obedience to Allah is not merely a ritualistic act, but a comprehensive way of life. It encompasses all aspects of our existence, including our beliefs, actions, and interactions with others. When we obey Allah, we align ourselves with His divine wisdom and guidance, which leads to spiritual growth, moral development, and a sense of inner peace.

Furthermore, obedience to Allah brings about numerous practical benefits in this world and the hereafter. By adhering to His commandments, we protect ourselves from harmful actions and their negative consequences. We also cultivate a strong connection with Allah, which enables us to seek His assistance and guidance in times of difficulty. Additionally, obedience to Allah strengthens our character, making us more compassionate, just, and righteous individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to prioritize obedience to Allah in their lives. By obeying Allah, we not only gain His love and forgiveness, but we also benefit from the practical rewards and blessings that come with living a life of righteousness. May Allah grant us the ability to obey Him wholeheartedly and may He shower His mercy and blessings upon all Muslims.