Hadith #4635

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا أرَدْتَ أنْ تُطاعَ فَاسْأَلْ ما يُسْتَطاعُ۔

This can be translated as,

If you want to be obeyed [or your request to be granted] then ask for that which is feasible.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (If) "إذا" at the beginning of the Hadith signifies a condition or a prerequisite. It implies that in order to achieve obedience or have our requests fulfilled, we must fulfill certain conditions. It serves as a reminder that our desires and requests should be in accordance with what is permissible and attainable.

The word (you want) "أرَدْتَ" highlights the importance of intention and desire. It emphasizes that our intentions should be pure and sincere when seeking obedience or requesting something. Our desires should align with the principles of righteousness and should not be driven by selfish motives or harmful intentions.

The word (to be obeyed) "تُطاعَ" refers to the act of being followed or heeded. It implies that if we wish to be obeyed, we should adopt a reasonable and practical approach in our requests. This encourages us to be considerate of the capabilities and limitations of others, and to ask for things that are within their capacity to fulfill.

The phrase (that which is feasible) "ما يُسْتَطاعُ" emphasizes the importance of practicality and feasibility in our requests. It implies that we should ask for things that are within the realm of possibility and do not impose undue burden or hardship on others. This teaches us to be mindful of the capabilities and resources available to fulfill our requests.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not burden us with tasks or responsibilities that are beyond our capacity. Similarly, we should also be considerate of the abilities and limitations of others when making requests.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and assistance in our endeavors. It reminds us to ask for that which is feasible and within our capabilities, seeking strength and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their intentions and desires when seeking obedience or making requests. It emphasizes the importance of being considerate of the capabilities and limitations of others, and to ask for things that are within their capacity to fulfill. By doing so, we create an environment of understanding, cooperation, and harmony within our communities.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and assistance in all our affairs. By aligning our desires and requests with what is feasible and within our capabilities, we demonstrate our trust and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We acknowledge that true success lies in seeking His pleasure and following His guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be mindful of our intentions and desires when seeking obedience or making requests. It reminds us to be considerate of the capabilities and limitations of others, and to ask for things that are within their capacity to fulfill. By doing so, we create an atmosphere of understanding, cooperation, and harmony within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek that which is feasible and within our capabilities, and may He bless us with His guidance and support in all our endeavors.