Hadith #6006

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الطاعة متجر رابح" which translates to

Obedience [to Allah] is a profitable trade.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ta'ah) "طاعة" refers to obedience or submission. It signifies willingly complying with the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following His guidance. This obedience is not merely a superficial act, but a comprehensive submission of the heart, mind, and soul to the will of Allah.

The word (matjar) "متجر" means trade or business. It implies that obedience to Allah is not only a duty but also a means of attaining immense profit and benefit. Just as a successful trade yields great returns, obedience to Allah brings abundant rewards in this world and the hereafter.

The Hadith emphasizes the idea that obedience to Allah is not a burden or a loss, but rather a profitable venture. It encourages Muslims to view obedience as a means of gaining spiritual, moral, and material prosperity. Let us now explore the Quranic verses that support this profound concept.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277),

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds and performed prayer and given zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the rewards and benefits that await those who obediently fulfill their obligations towards Allah.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], 'Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.' That is what is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes the everlasting rewards and blessings that await the obedient believers in the hereafter.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that obedience to Allah is not a mere duty, but a pathway to success and prosperity in both this world and the hereafter. By obeying Allah's commands, we align ourselves with His divine wisdom and guidance, leading to a life of righteousness, contentment, and fulfillment.

When we obey Allah, we adhere to His laws and teachings, which are designed to protect us from harm and guide us towards what is beneficial for our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Just as a successful trade requires careful planning, effort, and adherence to sound principles, obedience to Allah demands sincerity, perseverance, and adherence to His divine guidance.

Moreover, obedience to Allah brings about numerous positive consequences in our lives. It strengthens our relationship with our Creator, increases our faith, and purifies our hearts. It also leads to the development of virtuous qualities such as patience, gratitude, humility, and compassion. Obedience to Allah enables us to overcome our desires and temptations, and it empowers us to make righteous choices in every aspect of our lives.

Furthermore, obedience to Allah has a transformative effect on society. When individuals strive to obey Allah's commands, they contribute to the establishment of justice, equality, and compassion in their communities. They become a source of guidance and inspiration for others, promoting harmony, unity, and the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that obedience to Allah is not a burden, but a profitable trade. It encourages us to view obedience as a means of attaining immense rewards and benefits in this world and the hereafter. By obeying Allah's commands, we align ourselves with His divine wisdom and guidance, leading to a life of righteousness, contentment, and success. May Allah grant us the ability to be obedient to Him and reap the abundant rewards of this profitable trade.