Hadith #3550

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ما اخْتَلَفَتْ دَعْوَتانِ إلاّ كانَتْ إحْديهُما ضَلالَةً۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Two calls never differ but that one of them leads to misguidance.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (ikhtalafat) "اخْتَلَفَتْ" means "differed" or "varied." The word (da'watani) "دَعْوَتانِ" refers to "calls" or "invitations." The word (ihdihuma) "إحْديهُما" means "one of them." And finally, the word (dalaalah) "ضَلالَةً" signifies "misguidance."

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:116):

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This ayah highlights the danger of blindly following the majority without seeking the truth. It warns us that the majority may lead us astray from the path of Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am (6:39), Allah says:

And those who deny Our signs are deaf and dumb within darknesses. Whomever Allah wills - He leaves astray; and whomever He wills - He puts him on a straight path.

These verses emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and His chosen representatives. They caution us against following those who deny the signs of Allah, as they are in darkness and can lead others astray. Hence, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that there are two paths or calls, and only one of them leads to misguidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, making him a reliable source of guidance for Muslims. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the consequences of following the wrong path. It serves as a warning to Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their choices, especially when it comes to matters of faith and belief.

By highlighting the existence of two calls, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that not all paths are equal. There is a clear distinction between the path of truth and righteousness, and the path of misguidance. It is our responsibility as Muslims to seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and follow the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in order to avoid falling into the trap of misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying in this Hadith should motivate us to critically evaluate the calls and invitations we encounter in our lives. We must assess whether they align with the teachings of Islam and the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from being led astray and ensure that we remain on the path of truth and guidance.

The consequences of following the wrong call can be far-reaching. It can lead to spiritual confusion, moral corruption, and a deviation from the true essence of Islam. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to constantly seek knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and refer to the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as our guiding lights.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in discerning between the calls that lead to guidance and those that lead to misguidance. It urges us to seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and follow the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in order to stay on the right path. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and to always choose the path that leads to His pleasure.