Hadith #4932

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The objective of Islam is [complete] submission [to the will of Allah].

This Hadith emphasizes the essence and purpose of Islam, which is to surrender oneself entirely to the commandments and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the words used in this Hadith. The word (إسْلام) "Islam" comes from the root word "s-l-m," which means submission, surrender, and peace. It signifies a comprehensive way of life that encompasses submission to the will of Allah, peace with oneself, and peace with others. Islam is not merely a set of rituals or beliefs, but a holistic framework that guides every aspect of a Muslim's life.

The word (تَسْلِيمُ) "taslīm" in this Hadith refers to complete submission and surrender. It implies willingly accepting and obeying the commands of Allah without any reservations or reluctance. It encompasses both external actions and internal states of the heart. True submission requires aligning one's desires, intentions, and actions with the divine will, seeking to please Allah in all aspects of life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208),

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of entering into peace (Islam) completely, without compromising or deviating from the path prescribed by Allah. It highlights the need for unwavering submission to Allah's commandments and the avoidance of anything that may lead us astray.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:162), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse emphasizes that every aspect of a Muslim's life should be dedicated to Allah alone. It reinforces the idea that Islam is not limited to acts of worship but encompasses all our actions, intentions, and even our ultimate purpose in life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly strive for complete submission to the will of Allah. It encourages us to reflect on our actions, intentions, and level of obedience to Allah's commandments. True submission requires us to align our desires, ambitions, and decisions with the teachings of Islam.

When we embrace complete submission to Allah, we experience a profound transformation in our lives. We become more conscious of our actions, seeking to please Allah in everything we do. Our decisions are guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness. We develop a sense of contentment and inner peace, knowing that we are fulfilling our purpose as servants of Allah.

Moreover, complete submission to Allah leads to a harmonious society. When individuals submit to Allah's commandments, they prioritize the well-being of others, fostering unity, and cooperation. This submission eradicates arrogance, selfishness, and injustice, creating an environment of compassion, empathy, and social justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the objective of Islam is complete submission to the will of Allah. It urges us to align our desires, intentions, and actions with the divine guidance provided in the Quran. By embracing this submission, we attain inner peace, fulfill our purpose as Muslims, and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah grant us the ability to submit to His will wholeheartedly and may He guide us on the straight path.