Hadith #5982

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أطِعْ تَغْنَمْ۔" which translates to

Obey [Allah] and you will benefit.

This short but thought-provoking saying holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (Obey) "أطِعْ" is derived from the root word "طعن" which means to submit, comply, or follow. It implies complete surrender to the commandments and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (benefit) "تَغْنَمْ" comes from the root word "غَنِمَ" which means to gain, profit, or be enriched. It signifies the rewards, blessings, and prosperity that one attains through obedience to Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and its positive outcomes. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 38, Allah says,

We said, 'Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.'

This verse highlights the correlation between obedience to Allah's guidance and the absence of fear and grief. When we submit to the commandments of Allah, we are protected from the anxieties and sorrows that plague our lives. Obedience to Allah brings about a sense of security and tranquility, as we trust in His wisdom and mercy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 9, Allah states,

Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.

Here, Allah assures us that following the guidance of the Quran leads to righteousness and a great reward. By obeying Allah's commands, we not only benefit in this world but also secure immense blessings in the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of obedience as a means of attaining benefit. When we submit to the will of Allah and follow His guidance, we open ourselves up to a multitude of blessings and advantages. These benefits manifest in various aspects of our lives, including our spiritual, emotional, and material well-being.

Spiritually, obedience to Allah leads to a deeper connection with our Creator. It strengthens our faith, purifies our hearts, and brings us closer to attaining His pleasure. As we strive to fulfill His commandments, we experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment that cannot be found elsewhere.

Emotionally, obedience to Allah provides us with inner peace and serenity. It shields us from the negative effects of sinful behavior and protects us from the turmoil of a guilty conscience. By aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we cultivate a sense of integrity and self-discipline, which contributes to our emotional well-being.

Materially, obedience to Allah brings about blessings and prosperity in this world. It may not always be in the form of material wealth, but rather in the form of contentment, ease in our affairs, and the ability to overcome challenges. When we prioritize obedience to Allah over worldly desires, He opens doors for us and grants us success in our endeavors.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of obedience to Allah. By submitting to His commandments and following His guidance, we not only benefit spiritually and emotionally but also experience the blessings and prosperity that come with His pleasure. May we all strive to obey Allah and reap the countless rewards that await us.