Hadith #11046

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) addresses the people, questioning their attitude towards admonition. He asks them how much admonition they have been given, yet they continue to reject it. The Imam then highlights the efforts of the preachers, warners, preventers, and scholars who have tirelessly conveyed the message to them. He emphasizes that the Prophets and Messengers have guided them towards the path of salvation, presented their proofs, and shown them the clear way.

To understand the depth and significance of this hadith, we must delve into its key words and their meanings. The word (wa'adha) "وَعَظَ" means to admonish or advise, while (hazara) "حَذَّرَ" means to warn or caution. (zajara) "زَجَرَ" refers to preventing or discouraging someone from wrongdoing. (balagha) "بَلَّغَ" means to convey or deliver a message. These words highlight the various methods employed by the scholars and guides to ensure that the message reaches the people and that they are aware of their responsibilities.

The Imam's words are rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of admonition, warning, and guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:231):

And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings and guidance provided by Allah in His Book. It warns against taking the verses of Allah lightly and reminds us of the favor of Allah upon us by revealing the Book and wisdom to guide us. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says:

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This ayah highlights the importance of heeding the warnings and instructions given during the Hajj pilgrimage. It emphasizes the need to avoid disobedience and disputes during this sacred journey. These verses from the Quran serve as a reminder of the significance of admonition, warning, and guidance in Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exhortation in this hadith urges Muslims to reflect upon their actions and take advantage of the time they have in this world. He reminds them that today is a time for action without accounting, meaning that they have the opportunity to perform good deeds without immediate consequences. However, he warns that tomorrow will be a time for accounting without action, indicating that the wrongdoers will be held accountable for their actions without the opportunity to rectify them.

This beautiful message resonates with the teachings of the Quran. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:49), Allah says:

And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, 'Oh, woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has enumerated it?' And they will find what they did present [before them]. And your Lord does injustice to no one.

This ayah highlights the accountability of individuals for their actions. It emphasizes that every small and great deed will be recorded and accounted for. Similarly, in Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:6-8), Allah says:

So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it.

These verses from the Quran affirm the concept of accountability and the consequences of our actions. They serve as a reminder that our deeds will be presented before us, and we will be held responsible for them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exhortation in this hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and make the most of their time in this world. It urges them to heed the admonitions, warnings, and guidance provided by the scholars and guides. By doing so, they can strive towards righteousness and avoid the consequences of wrongdoing. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to reflect upon these profound teachings and implement them in our lives.