Hadith #8379

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the divine obligations, boundaries, prohibitions, and silence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) towards His creation. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The Imam begins by stating that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has made the obligatory acts incumbent upon us, emphasizing their importance and the need to fulfill them. These obligations are the fundamental pillars of our faith, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has prescribed these acts as a means of spiritual purification, guidance, and attaining closeness to Him.

To support this, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of fulfilling these obligations. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

The Imam then highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has delimited boundaries for us, indicating the limits and restrictions that we must not transgress. These boundaries encompass various aspects of our lives, including moral, social, and legal aspects. They serve as a safeguard to protect us from harm and maintain harmony within society.

The Quran provides us with numerous examples of these boundaries. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night.

The Imam further reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has forbidden certain things, and we must refrain from violating these prohibitions. These prohibitions include actions that are inherently harmful, sinful, or detrimental to our spiritual well-being. By abstaining from these actions, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences they entail.

The Quran provides us with clear guidance on these prohibitions. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Lastly, the Imam mentions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has remained silent about certain things, not out of forgetfulness, but as a test for us. These are matters that are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or the Sunnah, leaving them open to personal discretion. However, it is important to approach these matters with caution and adhere to the principles and values outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his progeny.

By reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of our responsibilities as Muslims. We must fulfill our obligations, respect the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), refrain from violating His prohibitions, and exercise caution in matters where He has remained silent. This hadith serves as a comprehensive guide for our actions, ensuring that we remain steadfast on the path of righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to fulfill our obligations, respect His boundaries, and refrain from violating His prohibitions. May He guide us in matters where He has remained silent and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness. Ameen.