Hadith #98

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the obligations, limits, and prohibitions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has placed upon us as Muslims. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these obligations, respecting these limits, and refraining from violating the prohibitions.

The Imam begins by stating that Allah has

placed on you some obligations which you should not ignore.

The word used for obligations in Arabic is (فَرَائِضَ) "faraidh", which refers to the religious duties and obligations that Allah has prescribed for us. These include the five pillars of Islam, such as the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. The Imam reminds us that these obligations are not to be taken lightly or neglected. They are a fundamental part of our faith and should be fulfilled with sincerity and devotion.

To support this understanding, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of fulfilling our religious obligations. For example, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

Furthermore, the Imam states that Allah has

laid down for you limits which you should not transgress.

The word used for limits in Arabic is (حُدُوداً) "hudud", which refers to the boundaries and limits set by Allah to maintain order and justice in society. These include both legal and moral boundaries that we must adhere to. By respecting these limits, we ensure that we do not engage in sinful or harmful behavior.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of respecting these limits. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187), Allah says:

It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night.

Additionally, the Imam reminds us that Allah has

prohibited you from certain things which you should not violate.

The word used for prohibited in Arabic is (نَهَاكُمْ) "nahakum", which refers to the things that Allah has explicitly forbidden us from engaging in. These prohibitions include actions that are morally wrong, harmful to ourselves or others, or against the principles of Islam.

To illustrate this point, Allah says in Surah Al-An'am (6:151):

Say, 'Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.'

Furthermore, the Imam mentions that Allah has

kept silent about certain things but has not left them out through forgetfulness.

This implies that there are matters on which Allah has not explicitly spoken, leaving them open to personal judgment and discretion. However, this does not mean that these matters are unimportant or should be neglected. Rather, it is a reminder for us to use our intellect and seek guidance from the teachings of Islam in making decisions in these matters.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says:

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. 'Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.'

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations, respect the limits set by Allah, refrain from violating prohibitions, and use their intellect in matters where Allah has not explicitly spoken. It highlights the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam and seeking guidance from the Quran in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us to fulfill our obligations and live our lives in accordance with His commands.