Hadith #6008

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الطاعة عز المعسر" which translates to

Obedience is the prestige of the underprivileged.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and honor that lies in obedience, particularly for those who face difficulties and challenges in life.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Al-ta'ah" refers to obedience, which entails submission and compliance to the commands and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is an act of surrendering one's will to the Divine Will. "Izz" signifies prestige, honor, and dignity. It is a state of elevated status and respect. "Al-mu'assir" refers to the underprivileged or those who face hardships and constraints in life.

To further comprehend the significance of obedience as the prestige of the underprivileged, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of obedience in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 208, Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the necessity of following the path of obedience and avoiding the temptations of Satan, who seeks to lead us astray.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 59, Allah states,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience not only to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) but also to those in authority. It highlights the significance of following the guidance of the righteous leaders and scholars who possess knowledge and wisdom.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The obedience mentioned here is not limited to the obedience of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), but also extends to obedience towards those who are in positions of authority and leadership. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that obedience is not only a duty but also a means of attaining honor and dignity, especially for those who face challenges and difficulties in life.

When the underprivileged embrace obedience, they rise above their circumstances and find strength in their submission to the Divine Will. Their obedience becomes a source of empowerment and a means to overcome their hardships. By obeying Allah's commands and the guidance of their leaders, they demonstrate their resilience and determination, earning respect and honor in the process.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the transformative power of obedience. He recognized that obedience is not a sign of weakness or subjugation, but rather a path to greatness and honor. Through his own example, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated unwavering obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that obedience is not only a duty but also a means of attaining honor and dignity, particularly for those who face challenges in life. By submitting to the Divine Will and obeying the commands of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), as well as those in positions of authority, the underprivileged can rise above their circumstances and find strength in their obedience. Let us strive to embrace obedience and recognize its transformative power in our lives as Muslims.