Hadith #5960

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

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

Man 'adala 'an wadhihi al-masaliki salaka subula al-mahalik.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of adhering to the clear and righteous path, as deviating from it can lead one towards the paths of destruction.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word "adala" refers to deviating or turning away from the right path. "Wadhihi" means clear or evident, indicating that the path being referred to is one that is clearly defined and easily discernible. "Masalik" refers to tracks or paths, while "salaka" means to follow or tread upon. Lastly, "subula al-mahalik" signifies the courses or ways of destruction.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of following the right path and avoiding deviation. In Surah Al-An'am, verse 153, Allah says,

And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it. And do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.

This verse highlights the necessity of adhering to the straight path prescribed by Allah, as straying from it will lead to separation from His guidance.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 120, where Allah warns,

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, 'Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.' If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

This verse cautions against following the desires and beliefs of others, as it leads to a departure from the true guidance of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to stay steadfast on the path of righteousness and avoid any deviation. It highlights the consequences of straying from the clear tracks, which ultimately lead to destruction. Deviation can manifest in various forms, such as deviating from the teachings of Islam, following misguided ideologies, or indulging in sinful actions.

By adhering to the clear tracks, Muslims are able to maintain a strong connection with Allah and His guidance. This connection provides them with the necessary knowledge and understanding to navigate through life's challenges and make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. It also protects them from the harmful consequences that arise from following the courses of destruction.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, making him a beacon of guidance for Muslims. His profound understanding of the Quran and his exemplary character serve as an inspiration for believers to follow the right path and avoid deviation. Just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasized the importance of adhering to the clear tracks, Muslims should strive to emulate his teachings and seek knowledge from the Quran to navigate their lives in accordance with the will of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the significance of staying on the right path and avoiding deviation. It serves as a warning against following the courses of destruction and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the clear tracks prescribed by Allah. By seeking knowledge from the Quran and emulating the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can safeguard themselves from the harmful consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from deviation.