Hadith #5347

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the nature of doubt and its significance in our lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) starts by explaining the meaning of the word "shubha," which is translated as "doubt" in English. He states that doubt is called "shubha" because it resembles the truth. This implies that doubt can often be deceptive and misleading, as it closely resembles the truth, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

To further understand the concept of doubt and its consequences, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not hastily accepting it based on doubt or hearsay. It reminds us to seek knowledge and clarity before passing judgment or taking action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the response of the close friends of Allah (awliya) and the enemies of Allah (aduww). He states that the close friends of Allah are illuminated by certitude in the face of doubt. Their unwavering faith and deep understanding of the truth guide them through the darkness of doubt. Their certainty acts as a beacon, leading them towards the right path.

The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-An'am (6:125), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.

This verse highlights that those whom Allah guides are given a deep understanding and conviction, enabling them to navigate through doubts and challenges.

On the other hand, the enemies of Allah are called towards doubt by their own misguidance. Their lack of faith and rejection of the truth blinds them, leading them further astray. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment.

This verse illustrates that those who persist in disbelief and reject the truth are deprived of guidance and are enveloped in darkness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise words remind us of the importance of seeking knowledge, certainty, and guidance in the face of doubt. It is crucial for us, as Muslims, to cultivate a deep understanding of our faith and to constantly seek clarity when faced with uncertainties. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the traps of doubt and ensure that we remain steadfast on the path of truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that doubt can be deceptive and misleading, closely resembling the truth. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and certainty to navigate through doubt. The close friends of Allah are guided by their unwavering faith and understanding, while the enemies of Allah are led astray by their own misguidance and blindness. As Muslims, we should strive to strengthen our faith, seek knowledge, and rely on the guidance of Allah and His chosen ones to overcome doubt and remain steadfast on the path of truth.