Hadith #5988

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of responding to the calls of the Prophets of Allah, submitting ourselves to their commands, and being obedient to them. By doing so, we are promised inclusion in their intercession on the Day of Judgment.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (istajeeboo) "اِسْتَجيبُوا" means to respond or answer. It implies actively heeding the calls and messages of the Prophets of Allah. This response should not be limited to mere acknowledgment, but rather it should manifest in our actions and obedience.

The phrase (li-anbiyaa'illah) "لأنْبِياءِ اللّهِ" refers to the Prophets of Allah. It encompasses all the messengers sent by Allah throughout history, including Prophet Adam, Prophet Noah, Prophet Abraham, Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all). As Muslims, we are obliged to believe in and follow the teachings of all the Prophets.

The word (wasallimoo) "وَسَلِّمُوا" means to submit or surrender. It implies complete compliance and acceptance of the commands and teachings of the Prophets. This submission should be characterized by humility, sincerity, and a willingness to follow the guidance of the Prophets without question or hesitation.

The phrase (li-amrihim) "لأمْرِهِمْ" refers to the commands of the Prophets. It encompasses their teachings, laws, and moral principles. As Muslims, it is our duty to study and understand the commands of the Prophets and implement them in our lives. This includes both the explicit commands found in the scriptures and the general principles of righteousness and justice that they exemplified.

The word (i'maloo) "اعْمَلُوا" means to perform or carry out. It emphasizes the importance of action and implementation. It is not enough to simply believe or acknowledge the teachings of the Prophets; we must actively practice and embody their teachings in our daily lives. Our actions should reflect the values and principles taught by the Prophets, such as honesty, compassion, justice, and humility.

The phrase (bitaa'atihim) "بِطاعَتِهِمْ" refers to obedience to the Prophets. It implies following their guidance and instructions without deviation or resistance. Obedience to the Prophets is not a blind following, but rather a conscious choice based on trust and conviction in their wisdom and knowledge.

The Hadith states that by responding to the calls of the Prophets, submitting to their commands, and being obedient to them, we will be included in their intercession. Intercession refers to the Prophets' ability to intercede on behalf of their followers on the Day of Judgment. It is a special privilege granted to them by Allah, and it serves as a means of mercy and forgiveness for the believers.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285):

The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], 'We make no distinction between any of His messengers.' And they say, 'We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of believing in all the messengers of Allah and obeying their commands. It highlights the unity of message and purpose that runs through the teachings of all the Prophets. As Muslims, we are required to affirm our belief in all the Prophets and to follow their guidance.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found 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 connection between love for Allah and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It highlights the importance of obedience to the Prophets as a means of attaining Allah's love and forgiveness. By following the Prophets and their teachings, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Allah, and in return, Allah showers us with His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to respond to the calls of the Prophets of Allah, submit ourselves to their commands, and be obedient to them. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also secure a place in their intercession on the Day of Judgment. This Hadith emphasizes the unity of message and purpose that runs through the teachings of all the Prophets and highlights the importance of actively practicing and embodying their teachings in our daily lives. May Allah grant us the ability to respond to the calls of the Prophets and to be among those who benefit from their intercession.