Hadith #289

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The Qur'an contains news about the past, foretellings about the future and commandments for the present.

Let us delve into the depths of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (Qur'an) "قرآن" refers to the divine revelation that was bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. The word (news) "نبأ" signifies the accounts and narratives of the past, while (foretellings) "خبر" refers to the prophecies and predictions of the future. Lastly, (commandments) "حكم" denotes the laws and regulations that govern our present actions.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:105),

And We have already written in the book [of Psalms] after the [previous] mention that the land [of Paradise] is inherited by My righteous servants.

This verse highlights the Quran's ability to inform us about the past, specifically the mention of the previous scriptures and their contents.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.

This verse emphasizes the Quran's role as a source of foretellings about the future, particularly the Day of Resurrection when Allah will judge between people based on their actions.

In terms of commandments for the present, the Quran is replete with verses that provide guidance on various aspects of life. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse exemplifies the Quran's commandments for the present, as it instructs the Children of Israel to worship Allah alone, be kind to their parents and relatives, support the needy, speak good words, establish prayer, and give zakah. These commandments are applicable to Muslims of all times and serve as a guide for our actions in the present.

In light of the aforementioned Quranic verses, we can understand the essence of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Quran not only provides us with historical accounts and prophecies about the future but also offers timeless commandments that are relevant to our present lives. It serves as a comprehensive guide, encompassing all aspects of human existence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the Quran's multifaceted nature. It is not merely a book of stories or prophecies, but a divine revelation that encompasses the past, present, and future. By reflecting upon the Quran and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can attain guidance, success, and fulfillment in all aspects of our existence.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the comprehensive nature of the Quran. It contains news about the past, foretellings about the future, and commandments for the present. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to study the Quran, understand its teachings, and apply them in our lives. By doing so, we can attain spiritual enlightenment, guidance, and success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to comprehend the profound wisdom of the Quran and follow its guidance.