Hadith #11264

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.

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

طُوبى لِمَنْ بادَرَ الهُدى قَبْلَ أنْ تُغْلَقَ أبْوابُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue and blessing of those who actively seek and embrace true guidance before its doors are closed.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (baadara) "بادَرَ" means to hasten or to be quick in taking action. It implies a sense of urgency and proactivity. (al-huda) "الهُدى" refers to true guidance, the path that leads to righteousness and salvation. And (abwabuhu) "أبْوابُهُ" means its doors, symbolizing the opportunities and means through which one can attain guidance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:54):

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of actively seeking guidance and striving in the path of Allah. Those who make the effort to seek true guidance will be blessed with divine assistance and guidance.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186):

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah and seeking His guidance through supplication and obedience. It reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah, and those who actively seek Him will be blessed with His guidance.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to seize the opportunity of seeking true guidance before it becomes inaccessible. The doors of guidance may close due to various reasons, such as the passage of time, the hardening of hearts, or the distractions and temptations of this world.

By hastening towards true guidance, we are encouraged to actively seek knowledge, engage in self-reflection, and purify our intentions. This requires a sense of urgency and a proactive approach to our spiritual journey. We must not delay or procrastinate, for the doors of guidance may close when we least expect it.

The consequences of neglecting this advice are grave. Without true guidance, we may fall into the traps of ignorance, misguidance, and spiritual darkness. We may be led astray by false ideologies, desires, and temptations. Our actions and decisions may lack righteousness and sincerity. Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to heed the call of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and actively seek true guidance before it is too late.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be proactive in seeking true guidance. It urges us to hasten towards the path of righteousness and to seize the opportunity before the doors of guidance close. By actively seeking Allah's guidance through supplication, obedience, and self-reflection, we can attain true guidance and navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom and righteousness. May Allah bless us all with the ability to hasten towards true guidance and may He keep the doors of guidance open for us.