Hadith #9935

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the meaning behind the statement

Indeed we belong to Allah

and

Indeed we will return to Him.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in the Hadith. The Arabic word (inna) "إنّا" translates to "indeed" or "verily," emphasizing the certainty and truthfulness of the statement. (lillah) "لِلّهِ" means "to Allah" or "belonging to Allah," signifying our ultimate ownership and submission to the Almighty. The word (iqraar) "إقْرارٌ" means "affirmation" or "declaration," indicating a conscious acknowledgment of our relationship with Allah. Similarly, (anfusina) "أَنْفُسِنَا" refers to "ourselves," highlighting the personal nature of this affirmation.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 156:

Indeed, we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we will return.

This verse echoes the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and emphasizes the universal truth that all of creation belongs to Allah and will ultimately return to Him.

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the concept of ownership and return to Allah. In Surah Al-An'am, verse 62, Allah says:

Then they will be returned to Allah, their true Lord. Unquestionably, His is the judgment, and He is the swiftest of accountants.

This verse highlights the inevitability of our return to Allah and the accountability we will face for our actions in this worldly life.

The affirmation of belonging to Allah and returning to Him has profound implications for our lives as Muslims. It reminds us of our purpose in this world and the transient nature of our existence. We are not independent beings, but rather we are owned by Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This realization should instill in us a sense of humility, gratitude, and responsibility towards fulfilling our duties as servants of Allah.

Moreover, acknowledging our return to Allah serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of this worldly life. It prompts us to reflect on the purpose of our actions and the consequences they may have in the hereafter. This awareness should motivate us to strive for righteousness, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and make the most of the time we have been granted in this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encapsulates these profound truths in his statement. By recognizing our belonging to Allah and our eventual return to Him, we are reminded of our duties as Muslims and the need to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of our relationship with Allah and the transient nature of our existence. It highlights the importance of acknowledging our ownership by Allah and the inevitability of our return to Him. This affirmation should inspire us to lead a life of purpose, righteousness, and accountability, seeking Allah's pleasure and preparing for the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to understand and apply the teachings of Islam.