Hadith #2002

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَوْ أحَبَّنِي جَبَلٌ لَتَهافَتَ۔

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a testament to the intensity and depth of his love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and his unwavering devotion to Him.

The word (ahabbanī) "أحَبَّنِي" in this Hadith means "loved me." It signifies a love that is not superficial or fleeting, but rather a love that is profound, intense, and all-encompassing. It is a love that surpasses all other attachments and desires, a love that is solely directed towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (jabalun) "جَبَلٌ" in this Hadith means "mountain." Mountains are known for their strength, stability, and immovability. They are often used as symbols of power and permanence. However, the Hadith states that if a mountain were to love Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), it would crumble. This emphasizes the overwhelming and irresistible nature of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), which is so intense that even the strongest and most stable of entities would be unable to withstand it.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165:

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of directing our love solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not associating partners with Him. The believers are described as being stronger in their love for Allah, indicating that their love is unwavering and surpasses any other attachments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement echoes this Quranic principle. It emphasizes the intensity and exclusivity of his love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), to the extent that even the strongest of entities, like a mountain, would crumble under the weight of his love. This highlights the unparalleled devotion and unwavering commitment that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had towards his Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) was not merely a sentiment or a feeling, but it was a driving force that motivated his actions and shaped his character. His love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) was reflected in his unwavering obedience to His commands, his dedication to the teachings of Islam, and his selfless service to humanity.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect on the depth of their love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It urges us to examine the sincerity and intensity of our devotion, and to strive towards a love that is all-encompassing and unwavering. It calls us to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and to make Him the center of our hearts and the focus of our lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to love Him with the intensity and devotion that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified. May our love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) be the driving force behind our actions, and may it lead us to righteousness and success in this world and the Hereafter.