Hadith #10558

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مِنْ فَضيلَةِ النَّفْسِ المُسارَعَةُ إلَى الطّاعَةِ

which translates to

Hastening towards obedience [of Allah] is a merit of the soul.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the virtue and excellence of striving to promptly and eagerly engage in acts of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words. The term (fadilah) "فَضيلَةِ" refers to a virtue, excellence, or merit. It signifies a praiseworthy quality that elevates an individual's spiritual status. The word (nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or self, representing the innermost essence of a person. It is the seat of desires, inclinations, and motivations. Finally, (musara'ah) "المُسارَعَةُ" means hastening or rushing towards something.

In order to shed light on the connotation of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave worldly desires behind. That is the best for you, if you only knew.

This verse emphasizes the importance of hastening towards the remembrance of Allah, which encompasses acts of obedience and worship. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual obligations over worldly pursuits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 21, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse highlights the urgency and importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and striving towards righteousness. It emphasizes the need to promptly engage in acts of repentance and obedience, as they lead to the ultimate reward of Paradise.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic verses by emphasizing the merit and virtue of hastening towards obedience. It encourages Muslims to actively and eagerly pursue acts of worship, seeking to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain spiritual growth. By promptly responding to the call of Allah and fulfilling His commands, believers demonstrate their sincerity, devotion, and love for their Creator.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of time management in the pursuit of obedience. It urges Muslims to prioritize their religious obligations and not delay in fulfilling them. By hastening towards obedience, individuals can maximize their spiritual growth and attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam.

Moreover, the Hadith highlights the transformative power of hastening towards obedience. When individuals actively engage in acts of worship, they develop a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and experience personal growth. Their souls become purified, their character is refined, and they become more conscious of their actions. By consistently hastening towards obedience, Muslims can cultivate a virtuous and righteous self, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of hastening towards obedience as a merit of the soul. It urges Muslims to prioritize their spiritual obligations, promptly engage in acts of worship, and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, believers can experience personal growth, attain spiritual excellence, and ultimately strive for the eternal reward of Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to hasten towards obedience and strengthen our connection with Him.