Hadith #6067

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,

مَنْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ جَلَّ أَمْرُهُ

which translates to

Whoever obeys Allah, his affair becomes lofty.

This amazing Hadith holds deep meaning and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (obey) "أَطَاعَ" refers to complete submission and compliance to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It entails following His guidance, adhering to His laws, and fulfilling His obligations. (Allah) "اللَّهَ" is the name of the one true God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and the source of all knowledge and wisdom. (lofty) "جَلَّ" signifies the elevation and exaltation of one's affairs, both in this world and the hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and its profound impact on the lives of believers. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 31, Allah says,

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of obedience. When we obey Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), Allah's love and forgiveness encompass us, leading to a higher spiritual status.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur, verse 54, Allah states,

Allah has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them [therein] their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me.

This verse highlights the promise of Allah to those who believe and obey Him. He grants them authority and establishes their religion, ensuring their affairs are elevated and protected.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the profound consequences of obedience to Allah. When a Muslim fully submits to the will of Allah, their affairs are elevated and guided by divine wisdom. This obedience leads to success and prosperity in both worldly matters and spiritual growth. It brings about a sense of tranquility, contentment, and fulfillment in the heart of the believer.

For example, when a Muslim obeys Allah's commandments regarding financial matters, such as giving charity and avoiding interest-based transactions, they experience the blessings and barakah in their wealth. Their affairs become lofty as they are protected from the pitfalls of greed, debt, and financial instability.

Similarly, when a Muslim obeys Allah's commandments regarding personal conduct and relationships, such as being truthful, kind, and just, their affairs become lofty in the eyes of others. They earn respect, trust, and admiration from their family, friends, and society at large.

Moreover, obedience to Allah leads to the development of a strong moral compass and a deep connection with the Almighty. It strengthens one's faith and enables them to navigate through the challenges and trials of life with patience, perseverance, and wisdom. Their affairs become lofty as they are guided by divine knowledge and protected from the harmful influences of sin and temptation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the profound impact of obedience to Allah. When a Muslim fully submits to the will of Allah, their affairs become lofty, guided by divine wisdom and protected from the pitfalls of this world. This obedience leads to success, prosperity, and spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the ability to obey Him wholeheartedly and elevate our affairs in this world and the hereafter.