Hadith #2920

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) emphasizes the importance of responding to the call and following the guidance of the appointed guardian. Let us delve into the exegesis of this beautiful saying and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (daa'in) "دَاعٍ" in the Hadith refers to the caller or the one who invites others towards a particular course of action. This can be understood as someone who calls people towards righteousness, truth, or any other noble cause. The caller is the one who spreads awareness, encourages positive change, and invites others to follow the right path.

The word (raa'in) "رَاعٍ" in the Hadith refers to the guardian or the one who watches over and takes care of a group of individuals. This can be understood as a leader, guide, or mentor who ensures the well-being and protection of those under their care. The guardian is responsible for providing guidance, support, and direction to those who seek it.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 8:24)

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, which is a call towards righteousness and spiritual growth. It is incumbent upon Muslims to heed this call and actively respond to it.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Nur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of Allah rather than blindly adhering to the practices of our forefathers. It reminds us that true guidance lies in following the teachings of Allah and His chosen representatives.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to respond to the call of the righteous and follow the guidance of the appointed guardian. It emphasizes the need to actively engage with those who invite us towards goodness and to seek guidance from those who have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading and protecting the community.

By responding to the caller and following the guardian, we align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and strive towards spiritual growth. It is through this active participation and adherence to the guidance of the righteous that we can attain true success in this world and the hereafter.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from those who possess deep understanding and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words hold great significance for Muslims. His guidance and teachings are a source of inspiration for both Shia and Sunni Muslims, and his example serves as a beacon of light for those seeking guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of responding to the call towards righteousness and following the guidance of the appointed guardian. It urges us to actively engage with those who invite us towards goodness and seek guidance from those who possess knowledge and wisdom. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and strive towards spiritual growth and success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to respond to the call and follow the guidance of the righteous.