Hadith #11263

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,

ضَلَّ مَنِ اهْتَدَى بِغَيْرِ هُدَى اللَّهِ۔

This Hadith is a profound reminder that anyone who seeks guidance from sources other than Allah's guidance has indeed gone astray.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ihtada) "اهْتَدَى" means to seek guidance or to follow the right path. It implies a conscious effort to align oneself with the divine guidance of Allah. The word (ghayr) "غَيْرِ" means other than or besides. And the word (huda) "هُدَى" refers to the guidance of Allah, which encompasses the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:50),

Say, 'I do not tell you that I possess the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Say, 'Can the blind and the seeing be alike? Will you not then reflect?'

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance that comes directly from Allah. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself acknowledged that he only conveyed what was revealed to him, and he did not possess any knowledge beyond that. This highlights the need for Muslims to seek guidance solely from Allah's divine sources.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:116), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 verse warns against blindly following the majority without considering the authenticity and legitimacy of their guidance. It reminds us that many people may deviate from the true path and lead others astray. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to seek guidance directly from Allah's divine sources, rather than relying on the opinions and teachings of fallible human beings.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that true guidance can only be found in Allah's guidance. If we seek guidance from sources other than Allah, we are prone to falling into error and straying from the right path.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It cautions against blindly following the opinions and teachings of individuals who may not possess the same level of divine knowledge and understanding.

By adhering to the guidance of Allah, we ensure that our actions, beliefs, and decisions are aligned with His will. This leads to spiritual growth, righteousness, and ultimately, success in both this world and the hereafter. Conversely, seeking guidance from sources other than Allah's guidance can lead to confusion, misguidance, and ultimately, straying from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to seek guidance solely from Allah's divine sources. It emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), rather than relying on fallible human opinions. By doing so, we safeguard ourselves from straying from the right path and ensure our actions are in accordance with Allah's will. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to always seek His guidance and protect us from going astray.