Hadith #9931

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 of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he addresses the Muslim community and provides them with a deep insight into the nature of the Islamic faith and its continuity. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its connotation in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stating,

Verily this matter has not started with you nor will it end with you.

Here, the term "matter" refers to the religion of Islam, which encompasses the beliefs, practices, and principles that guide the lives of Muslims. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Islam did not originate with the Muslim community nor will it cease to exist with them. This highlights the timeless and universal nature of Islam, which transcends any particular time or place.

To support this concept, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the continuity of the message of Islam. For example, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian.

This verse assures the preservation of the Quran, which is the primary source of guidance for Muslims, throughout time. It signifies that the message of Islam will remain intact and accessible to all generations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

This verse highlights the universality of the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) message, as he was sent as a mercy to all of humanity. It reinforces the idea that Islam is not limited to a specific group or time but encompasses all people and eras.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then continues,

for this companion of yours travels, so consider him to have gone on one of his travels.

Here, the "companion" refers to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who has departed from this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges the Muslim community to view the Prophet's (ﷺ) absence as a temporary journey, similar to his travels during his lifetime. This perspective encourages Muslims to maintain their faith and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) even in his physical absence.

The Quran also emphasizes the concept of the Prophet's (ﷺ) continued presence and influence within the Muslim community. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as an exemplary role model for all Muslims, regardless of the era they live in. It signifies that his teachings and actions continue to guide and inspire Muslims throughout history.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by saying,

and if he comes back to you [then so be it], otherwise you are [all] going towards him [and will meet him].

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds the Muslim community that they should eagerly await the return of the Prophet (ﷺ) during the time of the Mahdi, the awaited savior. However, if they do not witness his return in their lifetime, they should strive to live their lives in accordance with his teachings and values, knowing that they will eventually meet him in the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims of the eternal nature of Islam and the ongoing relevance of the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) message. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the challenges and changes we may encounter. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to meet the Prophet (ﷺ) in the Hereafter, and we should strive to live our lives in a manner that reflects his teachings and guidance.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to comprehend the depth of this Hadith and enable us to embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in our daily lives. Ameen.