Hadith #102

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

We (the members of the Prophet's family) are like the pillow in the middle. He who lags behind has to come forward to meet it while he who has exceeded the bounds has to return to it.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep meaning and wisdom, which can be understood by analyzing the key words and phrases used.

The term (We) "نَحْنُ" refers to the members of the Prophet's family, specifically Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his descendants. They are the Ahl al-Bayt, the purified household of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who are known for their knowledge, piety, and guidance.

The phrase (like the pillow in the middle) "النُّمْرُقَةُ الْوُسْطَى" signifies their unique position and role in the Muslim Ummah. Just as a pillow is placed in the middle to provide support and balance, the Ahl al-Bayt serve as a source of guidance and stability for the Muslim community.

The phrase (he who lags behind has to come forward to meet it) "يَلْحَقُ التَّالِى" emphasizes the importance of following the teachings and guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt. Those who may have fallen behind in their understanding or practice of Islam are encouraged to seek knowledge and guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt, in order to catch up and align themselves with the true teachings of Islam.

On the authority of the Quran, we find support for this concept in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance, and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, as they are the ones who have been endowed with the knowledge and understanding of the faith. By adhering to their teachings, Muslims can avoid falling into difficulties and ensure that their faith remains strong and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second part of the Hadith states, (while he who has exceeded the bounds has to return to it)

وَ إِلَيْهَا يَرْجِعُ الْغَالِى

This emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding extremism in matters of faith and practice. Those who have gone beyond the limits set by Islam are urged to return to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, who embody the true essence of Islam.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the role of the Muslim community as a balanced and just nation, with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as their witness. The Ahl al-Bayt, being the inheritors of the Prophet's knowledge and guidance, play a crucial role in maintaining this balance and justice within the Muslim Ummah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt, who are the source of true knowledge and understanding of Islam. By following their teachings, Muslims can ensure that they remain on the straight path and avoid falling into extremes or deviating from the true teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the pivotal role of the Ahl al-Bayt in guiding the Muslim Ummah. They are like a pillow in the middle, providing support and balance for the community. Those who have fallen behind are encouraged to catch up by seeking knowledge and guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt, while those who have exceeded the bounds are urged to return to their teachings. By adhering to the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, Muslims can maintain a balanced and moderate approach to their faith, ensuring that they remain on the straight path and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all and grant us the ability to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt.