Hadith #2917

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 highlights the pivotal role that he and the Ahl al-Bayt play in the divine plan of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Imam begins by stating,

Through us Allah opens and through us Allah seals, through us Allah effaces and confirms whatever He wills.

This statement emphasizes the unique position and authority granted to the Ahl al-Bayt by Allah. They are the means through which Allah brings about His decrees and carries out His plans.

To understand the depth of this statement, we can refer to the Quran, where Allah has repeatedly emphasized the role of the Prophet and his progeny as the guides and leaders of the Ummah. For example, in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33), Allah says,

Indeed, Allah desires to repel all impurity from you, O Ahl al-Bayt, and purify you with a thorough purification.

This verse clearly indicates that the Ahl al-Bayt have been chosen by Allah for a special purpose, which includes guiding and purifying the Ummah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55), Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and says,

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah while they bow [in worship].

This verse highlights the close relationship between the Prophet and his true followers, who are none other than the Ahl al-Bayt. It is through this close connection that Allah's blessings and guidance are bestowed upon the Ummah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then continues,

Through us Allah removes the time of difficulty [or intense thirst and drought] and through us Allah sends down rain.

Here, the Imam is referring to the ability of the Ahl al-Bayt to intercede with Allah on behalf of the Ummah. They have the power to alleviate hardships and bring about relief in times of difficulty. Just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known to pray for rain during times of drought, the Ahl al-Bayt possess the same ability to invoke Allah's mercy and blessings.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124), Allah recounts the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and says,

And [mention, O Muhammad], when the Lord of Ibrahim tried him with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, 'Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.' [Ibrahim] said, 'And of my descendants?' [Allah] said, 'My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.'

This verse highlights the concept of divine leadership and the continuation of prophethood within the progeny of Ibrahim. It is through this lineage that the Ahl al-Bayt, including Imam Ali, possess the ability to intercede and bring about positive change in the Ummah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by warning the Muslims,

So let not the Deceiver deceive you concerning Allah.

This serves as a reminder to the Ummah to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by those who seek to distort the truth. The Ahl al-Bayt, being the chosen representatives of Allah, are the true source of guidance and knowledge. They are the ones who possess the deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).

In Surah Al-Imran (3:61), Allah commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to tell the people,

Say, 'Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then supplicate earnestly [together] and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars [among us].'

This verse highlights the unique status and knowledge possessed by the Ahl al-Bayt, as they are the ones who are called upon to invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars. This demonstrates their ability to discern truth from falsehood and protect the Ummah from deception.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that the Ahl al-Bayt play in the divine plan of Allah. They are the means through which Allah's decrees are carried out, and they possess the ability to intercede on behalf of the Ummah. It is crucial for Muslims to recognize and follow the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, as they are the true representatives of Allah and the protectors of the Ummah from deception. May Allah guide us all to the path of truth and righteousness.