Hadith #2936

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَتَعْطِفَنَّ عَلَيْنا الدُّنيا بَعْدَ شِماسِها عَطْفَ الضَّرُوسِ عَلى وَلَدِها۔

This can be translated as,

This world will incline towards us after having been refractory just like the wild camel inclines towards its young.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (inclination) "عَطْفَنَّ", (refractory) "شِمَاسِهَا", (wild camel) "ضَرُوسِ", and (its young) "وَلَدِهَا".

The word (inclination) "عَطْفَنَّ" refers to a change in attitude or behavior towards someone or something. In this context, it signifies a change in the world's behavior towards the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)). This change will occur after the world has been refractory or rebellious towards them.

The term (refractory) "شِمَاسِهَا" is derived from the root word "شَمَسَ" which means to be stubborn or rebellious. It implies that the world has been stubbornly resistant to the message and authority of the Ahl al-Bayt.

The word (wild camel) "ضَرُوسِ" refers to a camel that is untamed and difficult to control. It symbolizes the world in its rebellious state, refusing to submit to the guidance and leadership of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Lastly, (its young) "وَلَدِهَا" refers to the young camel, which is dependent on its mother for protection and guidance. It represents the world's eventual dependence on the Ahl al-Bayt for guidance and salvation.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights that guidance comes from Allah alone, and He chooses whom He wills to guide. The world may initially resist the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, but ultimately, it is Allah who determines the inclination of hearts towards them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:73), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.

This verse emphasizes that the Ahl al-Bayt have been chosen by Allah as leaders and guides for the people. They are divinely inspired to perform good deeds, establish prayer, and give charity. Their knowledge, piety, and devotion make them worthy of being followed and obeyed.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings. He prophesies that despite the world's initial resistance and rebellion, it will eventually incline towards the Ahl al-Bayt, just as the wild camel inclines towards its young. This inclination signifies the recognition of their knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness.

The consequences of this inclination are profound. Once the world turns towards the Ahl al-Bayt, it will benefit from their guidance, just as the young camel benefits from the protection and guidance of its mother. The world will find solace, peace, and true prosperity by adhering to the teachings and example set by the Ahl al-Bayt.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the path to salvation lies in following the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt. It encourages us to seek knowledge from their teachings, emulate their character, and adhere to their principles. By doing so, we can overcome the rebelliousness of this world and find true success in the sight of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the eventual inclination of the world towards the Ahl al-Bayt after its initial resistance. This inclination signifies the recognition of their knowledge and righteousness. By adhering to their guidance, we can find true success and salvation in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt.