Hadith #6362

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ قامَ بِشَرائِطِ العُبُودِيَّةِ أُهِّلَ لِلْعِتْقِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who fulfils the conditions of servitude deserves to be freed.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (shara'it) "شَرَائِطِ" refers to the conditions or requirements, while (al-'ubudiyyah) "العُبُودِيَّةِ" means servitude or worship. It is important to note that the term "عُبُودِيَّةِ" encompasses all aspects of worship, including acts of devotion, obedience, and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who fulfills these conditions of servitude is deserving of freedom. This freedom can be understood in two ways. Firstly, it refers to being freed from the shackles of worldly desires, sins, and the temptations of this materialistic world. Secondly, it signifies being granted freedom in the hereafter, where one will be liberated from the torment of Hellfire and granted eternal bliss in Paradise.

To further understand the significance of fulfilling the conditions of servitude, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83),

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the conditions of servitude, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commanded the Children of Israel to worship Him alone, be kind to their parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy, speak good words, establish prayer, and give zakah. However, many of them turned away from these obligations, except for a few who remained steadfast.

Another verse that emphasizes the significance of fulfilling the conditions of servitude is found in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:73), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.

This verse refers to the prophets and messengers who were chosen by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to guide humanity. They were not only commanded to perform good deeds, establish prayer, and give zakah, but they also fulfilled these obligations with utmost devotion and sincerity. They were true worshippers of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and exemplified the highest level of servitude.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that fulfilling the conditions of servitude is not only a duty but also a means to attain freedom. By submitting ourselves completely to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfilling our obligations as Muslims, we break free from the chains of our own desires and worldly attachments. This liberation allows us to attain spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, and closeness to our Creator.

Moreover, fulfilling the conditions of servitude leads to the ultimate freedom in the hereafter. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Insan (76:22),

And there will circulate among them [servant] boys [especially] for them [to serve them] as if they were pearls well-protected.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling the conditions of servitude. By adhering to the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and embodying the qualities of a true servant, we not only attain freedom from the worldly distractions but also secure our freedom in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill the conditions of servitude and attain the ultimate freedom.