Hadith #11441

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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:

قَدْ يُقِّظْتُمْ فَتَيَقَّظُوا، وهُديتُمْ فَاهْتَدُوا۔

This profound statement can be translated into English as:

Indeed you have been alerted so become vigilant, and you have been guided so follow the guidance.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the meanings of the key words. The word (qad) "قَدْ" in Arabic is used to emphasize the certainty and immediacy of an action. It signifies that the action has already taken place or will definitely occur. In this Hadith, it highlights the fact that the alertness and guidance have already been bestowed upon the believers.

The word (yuqithtum) "يُقِّظْتُمْ" comes from the root word (qazza) "قَظَّ", which means to awaken or alert someone. In this context, it refers to the awakening of the believers to the realities of life and the responsibilities that come with it. It serves as a call to consciousness and awareness.

The word (fatayaqqadhu) "فَتَيَقَّظُوا" is derived from the root word (yaqadhu) "يَقَظُ", which means to become vigilant or alert. It implies that once the believers have been awakened, it is incumbent upon them to maintain a state of vigilance and mindfulness. They should be aware of their surroundings, their actions, and the consequences of their choices.

Furthermore, the word (huditum) "هُديتُمْ" is derived from the root word (hada) "هَدَى", which means guidance. It refers to the divine guidance that has been bestowed upon the believers through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. This guidance encompasses all aspects of life, including matters of faith, ethics, and jurisprudence.

The word (fahtadu) "فَاهْتَدُوا" is derived from the root word (hada) "هَدَى" as well, and it means to follow the guidance. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam and implementing them in one's life. It is not enough to merely possess knowledge; one must actively seek to apply it and live by its principles.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24):

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). It highlights the fact that true life and guidance can only be attained by adhering to the teachings of Islam. The believers are urged to be attentive and responsive to the guidance that has been bestowed upon them.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of following the right course and distinguishing it from falsehood. It affirms that guidance is a matter of choice and conviction. The believers are encouraged to hold on firmly to the teachings of Islam and reject any form of falsehood or idolatry.

Reflecting upon the exegesis of the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding the believers of their responsibility to remain vigilant and steadfast in following the guidance that has been bestowed upon them. It serves as a call to action, urging Muslims to actively seek knowledge, apply it in their lives, and reject any form of falsehood or deviation.

By being alert and following the guidance, Muslims can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and righteousness. They can uphold the principles of Islam and contribute positively to society. This Hadith serves as a reminder that guidance is a continuous process, and it is the duty of every believer to strive for it throughout their lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to remain vigilant and steadfast in following His guidance. May He bless us with the wisdom to discern between truth and falsehood, and may He guide us on the straight path. Ameen.