Hadith #4417

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 noble companions.

The Arabic phrase in the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "قدْ أصابَ المُسْترْشِدُ۔" which translates to

It is possible for the seeker of right guidance to attain it.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and the potential for success in doing so.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the Quran for further insight. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance and the rewards that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided

This verse highlights the importance of supplicating to Allah and seeking His guidance. It assures us that Allah is near and responsive to our prayers. When we sincerely seek guidance from Allah, He will respond and guide us on the right path. This aligns with the statement of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that the seeker of right guidance can indeed attain it.

Another verse that supports this concept is found in Surah Al-Ankabut, where Allah says, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good

This verse assures us that those who strive and make efforts to seek guidance from Allah will be guided to His ways. It is a promise from Allah that He will be with those who do good and seek His guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the path of guidance is open to all who sincerely seek it. It encourages us to actively seek knowledge, reflect on the teachings of Islam, and strive to implement them in our lives. The seeker of right guidance is not limited by their current state or circumstances; rather, they have the potential to attain it through their efforts and sincerity.

This hadith also highlights the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) enabled him to articulate profound statements that resonate with Muslims from all backgrounds. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for Muslims to seek guidance and strive for righteousness.

The consequences of following this guidance are immense. When we seek right guidance and implement it in our lives, we experience a sense of peace, contentment, and fulfillment. We are able to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and clarity. Our actions become aligned with the teachings of Islam, and we become a source of goodness and guidance for others.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance and the potential for success in doing so. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of supplicating to Allah and striving for His guidance. As Muslims, we should actively seek knowledge, reflect on the teachings of Islam, and make efforts to implement them in our lives. By doing so, we can attain the right guidance and experience the blessings and rewards that come with it. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us success in our pursuit of guidance.