Hadith #7291

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a glimpse into the celestial realm, describing it as

forms devoid of matter, above [the need for physical] strength and ability.

These celestial beings are not bound by the limitations of the physical world, as they are free from the constraints of matter and possess a higher level of existence.

The Imam further explains that these celestial beings are illuminated by divine light, causing them to shine and gleam. This divine light is a manifestation of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) attributes and qualities, which are reflected upon these beings. It is through this divine light that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) manifests His actions and purposes.

To further illustrate the significance of the human soul, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) created the human being with a soul that has the ability to articulate and communicate. This distinguishing characteristic sets humans apart from other creations, as they possess the capacity for intellectual and spiritual growth.

The Imam emphasizes that if the human soul is purified through knowledge and righteous actions, it becomes akin to the essences of the celestial beings. Just as these celestial beings are adorned with divine light, the human soul, when purified, becomes radiant with the light of knowledge and righteousness. This purification allows the soul to transcend the limitations of the physical world and attain a higher level of existence.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when the human soul attains a state of balance and harmony, and disassociates itself from conflicting traits and qualities, it becomes associated with the "seven strong heavens." This association signifies the elevation of the soul to a higher spiritual realm, where it is in harmony with the divine order and is granted proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The teachings of this hadith are supported by several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2-3),

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

This verse highlights the power and ability of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to resurrect and recreate human beings, emphasizing the importance and significance of the human soul.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:85), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say, 'The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind has not been given of knowledge except a little.'

This verse acknowledges the limited knowledge that humans possess regarding the soul and affirms that the soul is a matter known only to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the celestial realm and the nature of the human soul. It emphasizes the importance of purifying the soul through knowledge and righteous actions, enabling it to transcend the limitations of the physical world and attain proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we strive to purify our souls and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through knowledge and righteous deeds.