Hadith #5506

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 beseeches Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for three things: the ranks of the martyrs, the fellowship of the felicitous, and the company of the Prophets and the virtuous ones.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of these words and their implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks for the ranks of the martyrs. The Arabic word used here is "manazil," which refers to the elevated positions and stations that the martyrs attain in the sight of Allah. The martyrs are those who sacrifice their lives in the path of Allah, upholding the principles of truth and justice. They are granted a special status in the hereafter and are honored with divine rewards.

The Quran mentions the significance of martyrdom in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:154), Allah says,

And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, 'They are dead.' Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.

This verse highlights the eternal life and spiritual existence of the martyrs, even though their physical bodies may have perished. By seeking the ranks of the martyrs, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his desire for a lofty position in the sight of Allah, where he can continue to serve and worship Him.

Secondly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks for the fellowship of the felicitous. The Arabic word used here is "mu'ayyashah," which refers to the companionship and association with the righteous and blessed individuals. It signifies the desire to be in the company of those who have attained success and felicity in this world and the hereafter.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of righteous companionship in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), where Allah says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse highlights the positive influence and spiritual upliftment that can be gained by surrounding oneself with pious individuals. By seeking the fellowship of the felicitous, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his aspiration to be in the company of those who are close to Allah and who inspire others towards righteousness.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks for the company of the Prophets and the virtuous ones. The Arabic word used here is "murafaqah," which denotes the act of accompanying and being in the presence of the Prophets and the righteous individuals. It signifies the desire to be in the proximity of those who are chosen by Allah and who possess divine knowledge and wisdom.

The Quran highlights the significance of seeking the company of the righteous in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah says,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of worldly life and the importance of seeking guidance and inspiration from those who are firmly rooted in faith and righteousness. By seeking the company of the Prophets and the virtuous ones, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his yearning for divine knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings and his aspiration for spiritual elevation. It serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for martyrdom in the path of truth, seek the company of the righteous, and yearn for the knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon the Prophets and the virtuous ones. May Allah grant us all the ranks of the martyrs, the fellowship of the felicitous, and the company of the Prophets and the virtuous ones.