Hadith #4952

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The root of faith is complete submission to the command of Allah.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the fundamental principle of Islam, which is the unwavering submission to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (faith) "إيمان" in this Hadith refers to the belief and conviction in the heart, accompanied by righteous actions. It encompasses not only the belief in the existence of Allah, but also the recognition of His sovereignty, His attributes, and His commands. Faith is the foundation upon which a Muslim's entire life is built, and it is through faith that one seeks to attain the pleasure of Allah and the ultimate success in the Hereafter.

The term (complete submission) "حُسْنُ التَّسْليمِ" highlights the importance of surrendering oneself entirely to the command of Allah. It entails accepting and obeying His decrees without hesitation or reservation. This submission is not merely a passive act, but an active and conscious choice to align one's will with the divine will. It is a state of surrender that encompasses both the external actions and the internal disposition of the believer.

To understand the significance of complete submission, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obeying His commands. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:208)

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy

This verse highlights the need for complete submission to the guidance of Allah, as it is the path to attaining inner peace and protection from the whispers of Satan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3:105)

And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good - then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold

This verse emphasizes that true submission to Allah is not limited to mere words or rituals, but it is accompanied by righteous actions. It is through this complete submission that one finds strength and stability in their faith.

The consequences of complete submission to the command of Allah are profound. By surrendering ourselves to His will, we align our desires and actions with what is pleasing to Him. This leads to a life of righteousness, piety, and moral excellence. It enables us to overcome our ego, desires, and temptations, and to make choices that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Complete submission also fosters a deep sense of trust and reliance on Allah. When faced with challenges and difficulties, the believer finds solace in knowing that Allah's wisdom and mercy are guiding their path. This trust strengthens their faith and allows them to navigate through the trials of life with patience and perseverance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, emphasized the importance of complete submission to the command of Allah. His own life serves as a shining example of this principle, as he devoted himself entirely to the service of Allah and the betterment of humanity. His unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice serves as an inspiration for Muslims of all generations.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the fundamental principle of Islam, which is complete submission to the command of Allah. It is through this submission that we establish a strong foundation of faith and embark on a journey of righteousness and spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the ability to submit ourselves wholeheartedly to His will and may He bless us with the rewards of a steadfast faith.