Hadith #993

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has not settled or resided in anything in such a way that it can be said that He exists within it. Similarly, Allah is not separated or detached from anything in such a way that it can be said that He is distant from it.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we must first examine the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (yahlu) "يَحْلُلِ" means to settle or reside, while (fayuqala) "فَيُقَالَ" means it is said or it can be said. On the other hand, (yan'a) "يَنْأ" means to separate or detach, and (bain) "بَائِنٌ" means distant or separate.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cannot be confined or limited to any specific place or object. He is not contained within any creation, nor is He separated from His creation. This concept is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the transcendence and omnipresence of Allah.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hadid (57:4):

He is with you wherever you are.

This verse highlights the all-encompassing presence of Allah, indicating that He is not limited to a specific location or confined within any creation. He is present everywhere, encompassing all things.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:103), Allah declares:

No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision.

This verse emphasizes the incomprehensibility of Allah's essence and the limitations of human perception. We cannot fully comprehend the nature of Allah or confine Him to our limited understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that Allah is not limited by time, space, or any physical constraints. He is beyond our comprehension and cannot be confined to any specific location or object. This understanding is crucial in order to avoid falling into the trap of anthropomorphism or attributing human-like qualities to Allah.

By recognizing the transcendence and omnipresence of Allah, Muslims are reminded of His greatness and are encouraged to develop a deeper connection with Him. We are reminded that Allah is always near, regardless of our physical location or circumstances. This understanding instills a sense of awe and reverence for Allah, motivating us to strive for His pleasure and guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder that Allah's presence is not limited to physical spaces or objects of worship. It is a call to Muslims to recognize that Allah is not confined to any specific place of worship, but rather, He is present wherever sincere hearts turn to Him in devotion and supplication. This understanding encourages Muslims to seek Allah's presence and guidance in all aspects of their lives, not just within the confines of a mosque or a specific religious ritual.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the transcendence and omnipresence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds Muslims that Allah cannot be confined or limited to any specific place or object, nor is He separated from His creation. This understanding is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly highlight the all-encompassing presence of Allah. By recognizing Allah's transcendence, Muslims are encouraged to develop a deeper connection with Him and seek His presence and guidance in all aspects of their lives.