Hadith #8779

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a impactful Hadith that highlights the astonishment of Imam Ali towards those who despair and lose hope, despite having the means of salvation through repentance. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (yaqnatu) "يَقْنَطُ" which means "loses hope" and (an-najatu) "النَّجاةُ" which means "salvation." The word (istighfar) "الاِسْتِغْفارُ" means "repentance." It is important to note that repentance is not limited to seeking forgiveness for sins but also includes turning back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with sincerity and seeking His guidance.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of not losing hope and seeking salvation through repentance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53),

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse clearly conveys the message that no matter how grave our sins may be, we should never lose hope in the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The door of repentance is always open, and Allah's forgiveness is limitless. It is a reminder to Muslims that they should never despair, but rather turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with sincere repentance.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hijr (15:49), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful.

This verse serves as a reassurance to Muslims that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always ready to forgive and bestow His mercy upon those who sincerely seek it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his amazement at those who lose hope despite having the means of salvation through repentance. This statement reflects the profound knowledge and understanding of Imam Ali regarding the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He recognizes that despair is a hindrance to spiritual growth and a barrier to seeking forgiveness.

Imam Ali's amazement also highlights the consequences of losing hope. When a person loses hope, they become stagnant in their spiritual journey and may fall into despair, depression, or even commit more sins. On the other hand, those who recognize the power of repentance and seek Allah's forgiveness are constantly striving to improve themselves and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that no matter how far they may have strayed or how grave their sins may be, they should never lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a call to action, urging us to turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with sincere repentance and seek His guidance and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not losing hope and recognizing the power of repentance as a means of salvation. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Most Merciful and Forgiving, and His door of forgiveness is always open. Let us take this lesson to heart and strive to seek repentance and forgiveness, never losing hope in the infinite mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us His forgiveness.