Hadith #6021

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِحُسْنِ الطّاعَةِ يُعْرَفُ الأخْيارُ۔

This can be translated as,

By [their] virtuous obedience, the righteous ones are known.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (husn) "حُسْنِ" in this Hadith refers to "virtuous" or "excellent." It signifies the quality of obedience that is not merely superficial or obligatory, but one that is performed with sincerity, devotion, and excellence. It implies going above and beyond the minimum requirements and striving for excellence in fulfilling the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (ta'ah) "طَاعَةِ" means "obedience." It encompasses the act of submitting to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Obedience is not limited to performing religious rituals, but it extends to all aspects of life, including moral conduct, social interactions, and personal responsibilities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that through virtuous obedience, the righteous ones are known. This implies that true righteousness and piety are manifested through one's actions and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not enough to claim righteousness or perform acts of worship outwardly; rather, it is the quality of obedience that distinguishes the truly righteous individuals.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of virtuous obedience and its role in identifying the righteous. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that righteousness is not confined to mere rituals or outward displays of piety. It encompasses belief in Allah, the Last Day, and the essential tenets of faith. It also involves acts of charity, fulfilling promises, and demonstrating patience in times of difficulty. In essence, righteousness is a comprehensive concept that encompasses both belief and action.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or social status. Rather, it is determined by the level of righteousness and piety that one possesses. The most righteous individuals are those who excel in their obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and demonstrate virtuous conduct in their interactions with others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in their obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to go beyond the minimum requirements and to perform our acts of worship with sincerity and devotion. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations but also distinguish ourselves as righteous individuals.

Virtuous obedience is not limited to acts of worship; it extends to all aspects of life. It involves treating others with kindness, honesty, and justice, and fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families, communities, and society at large. It is through our virtuous obedience that we can truly embody the teachings of Islam and become beacons of righteousness in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true righteousness is known through virtuous obedience. It is not enough to merely perform acts of worship; rather, we must strive for excellence and sincerity in our obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can distinguish ourselves as righteous individuals and fulfill the purpose of our creation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody virtuous obedience and be counted among the righteous.