Hadith #2904

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

I am your inviter towards the obedience of your Lord, your mentor to performing your religious obligations and your guide to that which will save you.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and uncovering its deep meanings in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect upon the word (your inviter) "داعِيكُمْ". Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is inviting the Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, to the obedience of their Lord. This invitation is not limited to a specific time or place, but it encompasses all aspects of our lives. It is a call to submit ourselves completely to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to follow His commandments as revealed in the Quran.

The next important word is (your mentor) "مُرْشِدُكُمْ". Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) assumes the role of a mentor, guiding the Muslims in performing their religious obligations. He provides them with the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom necessary to fulfill their duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings. This guidance is not limited to rituals, but it extends to all aspects of life, including social, ethical, and moral responsibilities.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, (and your guide to that which will save you)

وَدَليلُكُمْ إلى ما يُنْجِيكُمْ

Here, he emphasizes his role as a guide, leading the Muslims towards that which will bring them salvation in this world and the hereafter. This guidance is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) directs the Muslims towards the path of righteousness, reminding them of the consequences of their actions and the rewards that await them in the eternal life.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 31:

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This ayah highlights the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in order to attain the love and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invites us to follow his guidance, as he is the rightful successor of the Prophet (ﷺ) and possesses the knowledge and wisdom to lead us towards salvation.

Another relevant ayah is found in Surah Al-Anfal, Ayah 46:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). It reminds us of the unity and strength that can be achieved through following the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his successors. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a beacon of knowledge and guidance, leading us towards unity and strength as a Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, to heed his call towards the obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He assumes the role of a mentor, guiding us in fulfilling our religious obligations and leading us towards salvation. Just as the Quran emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invites us to follow his guidance, as he is the rightful successor of the Prophet (ﷺ) and possesses the knowledge and wisdom to guide us. May we all strive to embrace the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek his guidance in our journey towards the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).