Hadith #4177

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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:

بِالمَعْصِيَةِ تُؤْصَدُ النّارُ لِلْغاوينَ۔

This can be translated as:

Through disobedience [to Allah] the [gate of] hellfire is closed for the aberrant [and they are unable to escape it].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the light of the Quran. The word (ma'siyah) "مَعْصِيَةِ" in the Hadith refers to disobedience or transgression against the commandments of Allah. It encompasses all actions that go against the teachings of Islam and the guidance provided by the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157):

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and obeying his teachings. Disobedience to the Prophet's (ﷺ) guidance leads to straying from the right path and can ultimately lead to the punishment of the hellfire. By obeying the Prophet (ﷺ) and avoiding disobedience, Muslims can close the gate of hellfire and protect themselves from its torment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:81), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns those who received the previous scriptures but failed to follow them:

Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and disbelieve in the rest? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

This verse highlights the consequences of selectively following the scriptures and disregarding certain commandments. Disobedience to Allah's commandments leads to disgrace in this world and severe punishment in the hereafter. It serves as a reminder that true faith requires complete obedience and adherence to the teachings of Allah and His messengers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the importance of avoiding disobedience to Allah's commandments. It serves as a reminder that by abstaining from sinful actions and striving to fulfill our obligations, we can protect ourselves from the punishment of the hellfire. The gate of hellfire is closed for those who refrain from disobedience and strive to follow the path of righteousness.

This Hadith also highlights the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Despite our human tendency to err and commit sins, Allah gives us the opportunity to repent and seek His forgiveness. By sincerely repenting and seeking forgiveness for our disobedience, we can close the gate of hellfire and attain salvation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of avoiding disobedience to Allah's commandments. It serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and to refrain from sinful actions. By following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and adhering to the teachings of the Quran, we can protect ourselves from the punishment of the hellfire and attain eternal bliss in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from disobedience.