Hadith #7615

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Action in obedience to Allah is more beneficial, and being truthful is more beautiful and [makes one more] successful.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of two key virtues in Islam: obedience to Allah and truthfulness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith. The word (ta'atillah) "طاعَةِ" refers to obedience to Allah, which encompasses following His commandments, avoiding His prohibitions, and striving to please Him in all aspects of life. The word (as-sidq) "الصِّدْقِ" means truthfulness, which entails speaking the truth, being sincere in one's intentions, and embodying honesty in all interactions.

To understand the significance of these virtues, we turn to the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and truthfulness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2: 4)

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 highlights the necessity of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, as well as those in authority, as a means of attaining success in this life and the hereafter.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the significance of truthfulness in various verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says, (5: 119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true

This verse encourages Muslims to align themselves with truthful individuals, as their company and influence will lead to righteousness and success.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith. The Imam highlights that action in obedience to Allah is more beneficial than any other action. This means that when we prioritize our actions based on their alignment with Allah's commandments, we reap greater rewards and blessings in this life and the hereafter. Obedience to Allah encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our worship, relationships, and dealings with others. By prioritizing obedience to Allah, we align ourselves with His divine wisdom and guidance, which ultimately leads to success and fulfillment.

The second part of the hadith emphasizes the importance of truthfulness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that being truthful is not only beautiful but also leads to success. Truthfulness is a fundamental aspect of our faith, as it reflects sincerity and integrity in our words and actions. When we embody truthfulness, we establish trust and credibility in our relationships, and we become a source of inspiration for others. Moreover, being truthful aligns us with the ultimate truth, which is Allah Himself. By speaking the truth and being sincere, we become closer to Allah and attain His pleasure.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and truthfulness. These virtues are not only praised in Islam but are also supported by numerous Quranic verses. By prioritizing obedience to Allah and embodying truthfulness, Muslims can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of obedience and truthfulness and grant us success in both worlds.