Hadith #3897

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ما بَقاءُ فَرْع بَعْدَ ذَهابِ أصْل۔

This can be translated as:

How will the offshoot remain after the root has gone?

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the source from which something originates.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (baqaa) "بَقاءُ" refers to remaining or surviving, while (far') "فَرْع" means an offshoot or branch. (dhahab) "ذَهابِ" means departure or going away, and (asl) "أصْل" refers to the root or source.

This Hadith can be understood in light of various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of preserving and upholding the foundations and origins of things. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46):

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 verse highlights the importance of adhering to the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) as the foundation of our faith and unity. When we deviate from this foundation, our strength and unity diminish, just as an offshoot cannot survive without its root.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45):

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse illustrates the transient nature of worldly life. Just as vegetation withers away when it is separated from the rain that nourishes it, so too do our actions and endeavors lose their vitality when disconnected from their source of guidance and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of staying connected to the roots of our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. The offshoots of our actions, beliefs, and values can only flourish and bear fruit if they are firmly grounded in the principles and teachings of Islam.

When we detach ourselves from the source of guidance and wisdom, we risk losing our way and becoming susceptible to deviation and confusion. Just as a tree without roots cannot stand tall and strong, our faith and actions cannot thrive without being firmly rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to upholding its teachings made him a beacon of guidance for Muslims throughout history. His words in this Hadith highlight the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the foundations of our faith, as this knowledge serves as the root from which our actions and beliefs grow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

How will the offshoot remain after the root has gone?

reminds us of the significance of preserving and upholding the foundations of our faith. Just as an offshoot cannot survive without its root, our actions, beliefs, and values must be firmly grounded in the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By staying connected to our roots, we ensure the vitality and strength of our faith, enabling us to navigate the challenges of life with steadfastness and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to remain firmly rooted in His teachings.