Hadith #1361

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the reaction of the angels when the soul of a believer ascends to the heavens. The angels are amazed and express their astonishment by saying,

It is incredible how he was saved from a place where the best of us got corrupted.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (ruh) "روح" in Arabic refers to the soul or the spirit. It is the essence of a person that continues to exist after death. The word (mu'min) "مؤمن" means a believer, someone who has faith in Allah and His Messenger. The word (sama) "سماء" refers to the heavens or the celestial realm.

The angels, who are the obedient servants of Allah, are amazed when the soul of a believer ascends to the heavens. This amazement stems from the fact that the believer was able to escape the corruption and temptations of this worldly life, while even the best of the angels were not immune to corruption.

This hadith highlights the superiority of human beings over the angels in terms of their potential for spiritual growth and righteousness. It emphasizes the significance of the human soul and its ability to transcend the limitations of the earthly realm.

The Quran affirms the elevated status of human beings in several verses. Allah says in Surah Al-Isra (17:70),

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tahrim (66:12), Allah mentions the example of the wife of Pharaoh and how she attained a lofty status in the sight of Allah despite being surrounded by corruption. This serves as a reminder that no matter how adverse the circumstances may be, believers have the potential to rise above them and attain salvation.

The angels, being pure and obedient beings, do not possess the same capacity for growth and struggle as human beings. They are created to fulfill specific tasks and worship Allah without any deviation. However, they are aware of the challenges and temptations that human beings face in this world.

The amazement expressed by the angels in this hadith is not a sign of envy or resentment towards human beings. Rather, it is a recognition of the immense struggle and effort that believers undertake to resist the temptations of this world and remain steadfast in their faith.

This hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and to resist the corrupting influences of the world. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to attain the pleasure of Allah and secure a place in the eternal abode of paradise.

It also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this hadith reflect his deep understanding of the human condition and the spiritual journey.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the potential for growth and righteousness that lies within each one of us. It encourages us to strive for spiritual excellence and to resist the temptations of this world. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to follow the path of righteousness and attain salvation.