Hadith #2674

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of truth and righteousness over their personal desires and worldly gains. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (irkab) "إرْكَبِ", which means to "act upon" or "follow." It emphasizes the importance of putting the truth into practice and implementing it in our lives. This word implies a sense of commitment and action, urging Muslims to actively engage with the truth and not merely acknowledge it intellectually.

The second significant word is (al-haqq) "الحَقَّ", which refers to the truth. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as (the Truth) "الحَقَّ" in multiple verses, such as in Surah Al-Hajj (22:6) and Surah Al-Qasas (28:30). The truth, in an Islamic context, encompasses the teachings of Islam, the Quran, and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The next word is (in khalafa) "إنْ خالَفَ", which means

even if it contradicts

or

even if it goes against.

This word highlights the importance of adhering to the truth, even when it conflicts with our personal desires or societal norms. It emphasizes the need for Muslims to prioritize divine guidance over their own inclinations, recognizing that the truth is absolute and unchanging.

The fourth word is (hawak) "هَواكَ", which refers to one's desires or whims. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following one's desires blindly, as it can lead to deviation from the truth. For example, in Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23), Allah says,

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire?

This word serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their desires and not let them dictate their actions.

The final phrase in the Hadith is (wala tabi'a akhirataka biduniyak) "ولاتَبِعْ آخِرَتَكَ بِدُنياكَ", which means

do not sell your Hereafter for this world.

This phrase highlights the consequences of prioritizing worldly gains over the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It serves as a warning against compromising one's faith and moral principles for temporary worldly pleasures.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for supporting verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah says,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding the truth and not distorting it for personal gain or convenience. It aligns with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith, urging Muslims to act upon the truth even if it contradicts their desires.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), where Allah says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages Muslims to surround themselves with righteous individuals who prioritize the pursuit of truth and the Hereafter. It serves as a practical application of Imam Ali's Hadith, as being in the company of such individuals can strengthen one's resolve to act upon the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of truth and righteousness over their personal desires and worldly gains. It emphasizes the need to act upon the truth, even when it contradicts our inclinations, and warns against compromising our Hereafter for temporary worldly pleasures. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and the guidance of the Quran, Muslims can strive to embody the essence of this Hadith and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to act upon the truth and seek His pleasure.