Hadith #3417

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 basis of every good deed is obedience to Allah, the Glorified.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the fundamental principle that lies at the core of all righteous actions - obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, drawing upon the guidance of the Quran.

The word (milak) "مِلاكُ" in the Hadith can be translated as "basis" or "foundation." It signifies the underlying principle or the essential element upon which all good deeds are built. In this context, it refers to the starting point or the primary factor that determines the worth and validity of any righteous act.

The phrase (ta'atullahi subhanahu) "طاعَةُ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ" means

obedience to Allah, the Glorified.

It encompasses the submission of one's will to the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as well as the avoidance of His prohibitions. Obedience to Allah is the cornerstone of a believer's life and the key to attaining success in this world and the Hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 obedience to Allah by mentioning various aspects of righteous conduct, such as fulfilling the rights of parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It underscores the idea that all good deeds are rooted in the obedience to Allah's commands.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience not only to Allah but also to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and those in authority. It highlights the significance of following the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the righteous leaders who uphold the teachings of Islam. Obedience to Allah and His chosen representatives is the pathway to righteousness and unity within the Muslim community.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that obedience to Allah is the foundation upon which all good deeds are built. It is through obedience that we align our actions with the divine will and seek to please our Creator. By obeying Allah's commands and avoiding His prohibitions, we purify our intentions and ensure that our deeds are accepted.

Moreover, obedience to Allah brings about numerous benefits and blessings in this world and the Hereafter. It strengthens our relationship with Allah, increases our faith, and leads to spiritual growth. It also fosters a sense of righteousness, justice, and compassion in our interactions with others, as we strive to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the teachings of Islam.

Conversely, neglecting obedience to Allah can have severe consequences. It can lead to spiritual stagnation, moral decay, and a deviation from the path of righteousness. Disobedience to Allah's commands can also result in the loss of blessings, the descent into sin, and the distancing of oneself from the mercy and guidance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims that the foundation of every good deed lies in obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By adhering to His commandments and avoiding His prohibitions, we establish a solid basis for our actions and ensure their acceptance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to obey Him wholeheartedly and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.