Hadith #1284

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The foundation of faith is total submission to the will of Allah.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself completely to the commands and decrees of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (faith) "إيمان" in this Hadith refers to the belief and conviction in the heart, which is then manifested through actions. It encompasses both belief in the unseen and the practical implementation of Islamic teachings. The term (total submission) "حُسْنُ التَّسْليمِ" implies a complete surrender and acceptance of Allah's will without any resistance or hesitation.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of total submission to the will of Allah. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the importance of submitting to Allah's guidance rather than blindly following the practices of our forefathers.

Another verse that supports the concept of total submission is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:65)

But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission

This verse emphasizes the importance of accepting the rulings of the Prophet (ﷺ) and submitting to them without any reservations or objections.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that true faith is not merely a matter of lip service or superficial beliefs. It requires a deep-rooted conviction and a sincere commitment to submitting to the will of Allah in all aspects of our lives. This submission should be evident in our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

When we submit ourselves entirely to Allah's will, we align our desires and aspirations with His divine plan. This submission brings about a sense of tranquility and contentment in our hearts, knowing that we are following the path that Allah has chosen for us. It also helps us overcome the challenges and trials that we may face, as we trust in Allah's wisdom and guidance.

Total submission to Allah's will also has profound consequences in our relationships with others. It fosters humility, compassion, and empathy towards our fellow Muslims, as we recognize that we are all equal before Allah. It encourages us to treat others with kindness and fairness, upholding the principles of justice and righteousness.

Moreover, when we submit to Allah's will, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with His commands. This leads to a life of righteousness and piety, as we seek to please Allah in all that we do. It motivates us to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, with sincerity and devotion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the foundation of faith as total submission to the will of Allah. This submission requires a deep-rooted conviction and sincere commitment to aligning our lives with Allah's commands. It brings about tranquility, contentment, and a sense of purpose in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to submit to His will wholeheartedly and strengthen our faith.