Hadith #4940

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ أسْلَمَ سَلِمَ۔" which translates to,

One who accepts Islam [and submits to the will of Allah] remains safe [in the Hereafter].

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aslama) "أسْلَمَ" in this Hadith refers to accepting Islam and submitting to the will of Allah. It signifies a comprehensive surrender to the guidance and commandments of Allah. This submission encompasses both the outward declaration of faith and the inward devotion to Allah's teachings. It is a transformative process that requires embracing the principles of Islam and living in accordance with them.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208),

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of entering into peace, which is achieved through accepting Islam wholeheartedly. By doing so, Muslims are protected from the whispers and temptations of Satan, who seeks to lead them astray.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:125), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.

This verse highlights that guidance towards Islam is a divine gift from Allah. When one embraces Islam sincerely, their heart expands with knowledge, understanding, and tranquility. They are protected from the narrow-mindedness and confusion that afflict those who reject the truth.

The second part of the Hadith states, (salima) "سَلِمَ۔", which means to remain safe. This refers to the ultimate safety and security in the Hereafter, where believers will be granted eternal bliss and protection from the punishment of Hellfire. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in Surah Yunus (10:62-64),

No doubt! Verily, the Awliya' of Allah [i.e., those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Those who believed and were fearing Allah. For them are glad tidings in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. No change is there in the words of Allah. That is what is the great attainment.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that accepting Islam and submitting to the will of Allah is the path to salvation and eternal security. It is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses both belief and action. By embracing Islam, Muslims are protected from the harm and deception of Satan, and they are promised the ultimate reward of Paradise in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of accepting Islam and remaining steadfast in our faith. His words serve as a reminder that Islam is not merely a label or a superficial identity, but a transformative journey that leads to safety and salvation. May we all strive to embrace Islam wholeheartedly and seek the protection and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this world and the Hereafter.