Hadith #4945

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

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is

سالِمِ اللّهَ تَسْلَمْ أُخْراكَ۔

which translates to

Submit to Allah and your Hereafter will be saved.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep significance and provides guidance for Muslims in their journey towards salvation.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their meanings. The word (salim) "سالِمِ" means to submit or surrender oneself completely to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies a state of complete surrender, obedience, and devotion to the Almighty. The word (taslam) "تَسْلَمْ" is derived from the same root as "سالِمِ" and signifies the act of submitting or surrendering.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of submitting to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to attain salvation in the Hereafter. This submission encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our beliefs, actions, and intentions. It requires us to align our will with the divine will and to strive for righteousness in all our endeavors.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 208: (Quran 2:208)

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 emphasizes the importance of entering into peace, which is achieved through complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It warns against following the path of Satan, who seeks to lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 19, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 3:19)

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.

This verse highlights that true religion, in the sight of Allah, is Islam, which encompasses complete submission to His will. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge and warns against disputes and divisions that arise out of ignorance and envy.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we understand that submitting to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the key to attaining salvation in the Hereafter. It requires us to surrender our desires, ego, and worldly attachments in order to align ourselves with the divine will. This submission brings peace, guidance, and protection from the temptations of Satan. It unifies the believers and guards them against disputes and divisions that arise from ignorance and envy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this Hadith. By following his guidance and reflecting upon the Quranic verses that support this concept, Muslims can strive towards attaining salvation in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to submit to Him completely and may He bless us with success in both this world and the Hereafter.