Hadith #2621

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) beautifully encapsulates the importance of seeking and adhering to the truth, even if it requires effort and perseverance. Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings.

The key words in this Hadith are (your returning) "عَوْدُكَ", (the truth) "الحَقِّ", (you get exhausted) "تَعِبْتَ", (better) "خَيْرٌ", (your comfort) "راحَتِكَ", and (clinging to falsehood) "لُزُومِ الباطِلِ".

The word "عَوْدُكَ" implies a continuous process of returning or turning back to the truth. It signifies the importance of constantly reevaluating our beliefs and actions, and making the necessary corrections to align ourselves with the truth. This highlights the concept of tawbah (repentance) in Islam, which emphasizes the need for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The term "الحَقِّ" refers to the ultimate truth, which is the essence of Allah's divine guidance and the teachings of Islam. It encompasses both the intellectual truth and the moral truth, guiding us towards righteousness and justice. Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 17:81)

And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

The phrase "تَعِبْتَ" emphasizes the potential exhaustion or weariness that one may experience in the pursuit of truth. It acknowledges that the path of truth may not always be easy, and it may require sacrifice, perseverance, and facing challenges. However, despite the difficulties, the Hadith reminds us that the reward and benefit of adhering to the truth far outweigh any temporary discomfort or fatigue.

To further emphasize the significance of seeking the truth, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) states in the Quran, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse reassures us that Allah is always there to support and guide those who sincerely strive to seek the truth.

On the other hand, the phrase "خَيْرٌ مِنْ راحَتِكَ" highlights the superiority of returning to the truth, even if it means sacrificing our personal comfort and desires. It reminds us that true fulfillment and success lie in aligning ourselves with the divine truth, rather than seeking temporary worldly pleasures. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 11:15-16)

Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments - We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they therein will not be deprived. Those are the ones for whom there is not in the Hereafter but the Fire. And lost is what they did therein, and worthless is what they used to do.

Lastly, the phrase "مَعَ لُزُومِ الباطِلِ" warns against clinging to falsehood. It cautions us against persisting in falsehood, even if it seems comfortable or convenient in the short term. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against the consequences of falsehood. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says, (Quran 2:42)

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly seek and adhere to the truth, even if it requires effort and sacrifice. It encourages us to prioritize the eternal rewards of truthfulness over temporary comforts and pleasures. By continuously returning to the truth and avoiding falsehood, we can attain spiritual growth, righteousness, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of truth and grant us the strength to persevere in seeking it.