Hadith #4949

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

هُدِيَ مَنْ سَلَّمَ مَقادَتَهُ إلَى اللّهِ وَ رَسُوْلِهِ وَ وَلِيِّ أمْرِِهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Guided is the one who submits to the guidance of Allah and His Prophet and the one vested with His authority.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their significance. The word (guided) "هُدِيَ" refers to being led on the right path, attaining true knowledge, and being protected from misguidance. The word (his submission) "مَقادَتَهُ" signifies complete surrender and obedience to the will of Allah, His Prophet, and the one vested with His authority. (Allah) "اللّهِ" refers to the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. (His Prophet) "رَسُوْلِهِ" refers to the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (ﷺ), who was chosen to deliver the final message to humanity. (the one vested with His authority) "وَلِيِّ أمْرِِهِ" refers to the rightful successor and leader appointed by Allah and His Prophet.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:31),

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 emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in order to attain the love and forgiveness of Allah. It highlights the inseparable connection between the guidance of Allah and His Prophet.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying not only Allah and His Prophet, but also those in authority among the believers. It highlights the significance of submitting to the rightful leaders appointed by Allah and His Prophet.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The one who is guided is the individual who wholeheartedly submits to the guidance of Allah, His Prophet, and the one vested with His authority. This submission entails following the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), as well as obeying the rightful leaders appointed by Allah and His Prophet.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the rightful successor and the first Imam of the Shia Muslims, possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. His authority was derived from Allah and His Prophet, and he was the embodiment of the teachings of Islam. Therefore, submitting to his authority and following his guidance is an essential part of attaining true guidance and righteousness.

The consequences of submitting to the guidance of Allah, His Prophet, and the one vested with His authority are immense. It leads to spiritual growth, moral development, and a deep connection with Allah. It ensures that one's actions are aligned with the teachings of Islam, and it protects one from the pitfalls of misguidance and deviation. By submitting to the rightful leaders, Muslims can establish a just and harmonious society based on the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of submitting to the guidance of Allah, His Prophet, and the one vested with His authority. It highlights the inseparable connection between the teachings of the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the leadership of the Imams. By following this guidance, Muslims can attain true guidance, righteousness, and success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all and grant us the ability to submit to His guidance and the guidance of His chosen leaders.