Hadith #1548

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound reminder that calls upon Muslims to reflect upon the state of their hearts and the direction of their gaze. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks,

Where are the eyes that glance at the [illuminated] signposts of piety?

This question serves as a metaphorical inquiry into the state of our spiritual vision and the objects upon which our eyes are fixated.

The word (absar) "أبصار" refers to the eyes, which are not merely physical organs but also symbolize the faculty of perception and insight. The term (lamiha) "اللامِحَةُ" is derived from the root word (lamaha) "لمح", which means to glance or catch a glimpse. In this context, it signifies a fleeting look or a passing glance. The phrase (manar al-taqwa) "مَنارَ التَّقْوى" translates to

the [illuminated] signposts of piety.

The word (manar) "مَنار" refers to a lighthouse or a beacon that guides ships towards safety. Here, it symbolizes the signs and reminders that lead individuals towards the path of piety and righteousness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46),

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse emphasizes that true blindness is not a physical ailment of the eyes but rather a spiritual ailment of the heart. It highlights the importance of perceiving the signs of Allah's creation and recognizing the guidance embedded within them. Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am (6:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

These verses remind us that true insight and understanding come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. Our physical eyes may witness the signs of piety, but it is the spiritual vision that allows us to truly comprehend and internalize them. It is through the light of taqwa (piety) that we can navigate the challenges of life and find our way to Allah's pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question serves as a call to self-reflection for Muslims. It prompts us to examine where our gaze is directed and what captures our attention. Are we fixated on the fleeting distractions of this world or are we focused on the eternal truths and signs of piety that lead us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ)? Are we seeking knowledge and wisdom from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, or are we neglecting their guidance?

By asking this question, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invites us to reflect on the consequences of our choices. If we choose to turn our gaze towards the signposts of piety, we will be guided towards righteousness, moral excellence, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, if we allow our eyes to be distracted by the temptations and allurements of this world, we risk losing sight of our spiritual path and falling into heedlessness.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words encapsulate the essence of piety and serve as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of maintaining a vigilant and conscious awareness of Allah's signs. It is through this awareness that we can cultivate a deep sense of taqwa and strive towards spiritual growth and purification.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of our spiritual vision and the importance of directing our gaze towards the signposts of piety. It urges us to reflect upon the state of our hearts and the objects upon which our eyes are fixated. By seeking guidance from the Quran, we understand that true insight and understanding come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and follow the illuminated signposts of piety, and may He bless us with the guidance and wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt.