Hadith #2972

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the elevated status and position of the Ahl al-Bayt, the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating,

We are the nearest ones [to the Prophet (ﷺ)], the companions, the custodians [of the treasures of Paradise] and the doors [of knowledge and wisdom].

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses powerful metaphors to highlight the unique position of the Ahl al-Bayt and the companions.

The term "nearest ones" refers to their close relationship with the Prophet (ﷺ), both in terms of blood ties and spiritual proximity. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to purify his family, emphasizing their inherent purity and closeness to him.

The term "companions" signifies the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), who were blessed to be in his company, learn from him, and witness his noble character. The Quran acknowledges the companions' virtues in Surah Al-Hashr (59:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who migrated and supported the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Ansar.

The term "custodians" refers to the Ahl al-Bayt being entrusted with the treasures of Paradise, which symbolize the knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual guidance they possess. This is in line with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Qamar (54:17), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Quran as a "weighty word" entrusted to the Prophet (ﷺ) and his family.

The term "doors" signifies the Ahl al-Bayt as the gateways to knowledge and wisdom. Just as houses are entered through their doors, true knowledge and wisdom can only be obtained through the Ahl al-Bayt. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We have not sent before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message if you do not know.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns,

and houses are not entered but through their doors, and whoever enters them without going through their doors is [considered] a thief and is not spared punishment.

This statement emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt. Just as entering a house through any other means is considered theft, seeking knowledge from sources other than the Ahl al-Bayt is deemed illegitimate and punishable.

This warning echoes the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:170), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cautions against following the footsteps of those who deviated from the true path, saying,

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?

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek knowledge and guidance from authentic and reliable sources, particularly the Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, we ensure that we are on the right path and protected from deviating into falsehood and ignorance.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the elevated status and unique position of the Ahl al-Bayt and the companions. It highlights their role as the custodians of knowledge and wisdom, and the gateways to true guidance. Muslims are urged to seek knowledge from these authentic sources, as deviating from them leads to spiritual theft and punishment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and follow the true sources of knowledge and guidance.