Hadith #8380

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our obligations and being content with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (mafrudh) "مَفْرُوضِ", which refers to the obligatory duties that Allah has prescribed for us. These include the five pillars of Islam, such as Salah (prayer), Zakah (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage), and Shahada (testimony of faith). These obligations are essential for every Muslim to fulfill, as they form the foundation of our faith.

The next significant word is (madmoon) "مَضْمُونِ", which can be translated as

that which has been guaranteed.

It refers to the blessings and rewards that Allah has promised to those who fulfill their obligations sincerely and diligently. These guarantees include spiritual tranquility, divine protection, and eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prioritize our obligations over worldly pursuits and desires. By focusing on fulfilling what is obligatory upon us, we ensure that we are fulfilling our duties towards Allah and His creation. This not only strengthens our relationship with Allah but also brings about numerous benefits in our lives.

To support this exegesis, let us turn to the Quran. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6):

O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the obligation of Salah, which is one of the pillars of Islam. By prioritizing our prayers and fulfilling them with sincerity, we attain spiritual well-being and closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45):

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse emphasizes the significance of seeking help through patience and prayer, especially during challenging times. By prioritizing our obligations, such as Salah, we find solace and strength in our connection with Allah, enabling us to navigate through the trials of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also advises us to be content with what has been decreed for and against us. This means accepting the divine decree with patience and gratitude, whether it brings us ease or hardship. By doing so, we cultivate a state of contentment and inner peace, regardless of our circumstances.

The Quran beautifully illustrates the importance of contentment in Surah At-Tawbah (9:51):

Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely.

This verse reminds us to place our trust in Allah and accept His decree, knowing that He is our ultimate protector. When we embrace this mindset, we find tranquility and strength in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to prioritize our obligations and be content with the decree of Allah. By fulfilling our obligatory duties and accepting the divine decree with patience and gratitude, we attain spiritual well-being, prosper in felicity, and benefit from true happiness. May Allah guide us all to prioritize our obligations and find contentment in His decree.