Hadith #11078

Praise be to Allah, the Most High, the Exalted, and may blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he expresses his gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the ability and opportunity to engage in acts of obedience and to refrain from acts of disobedience. Let us delve deeper into the words and meanings of this Hadith, and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (nahmadu) "نَحْمَدُ" means "we praise," indicating the expression of gratitude and appreciation towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (waffaqa) "وَفَّقَ" means

to grant ability or success,

highlighting the divine facilitation and enablement provided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (ta'at) "طاعَةِ" refers to acts of obedience, encompassing all actions that are in accordance with the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, the word (ma'siyah) "مَعْصِيَةِ" denotes disobedience, encompassing all actions that go against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185:

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.

This verse emphasizes Allah's mercy and compassion towards His creation, as He intends to make obedience and worship easy for us. It is through His grace and facilitation that we are able to carry out acts of obedience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and guidance in our journey towards obedience. It is through His divine support that we are able to remain steadfast in our obedience and avoid disobedience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges the blessings and favors of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in granting us the ability to carry out acts of obedience. This ability is not solely dependent on our own efforts, but rather it is a result of Allah's divine facilitation and enablement. It is through His mercy and grace that we are able to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses gratitude for being kept away from acts of disobedience. This highlights the importance of avoiding sins and transgressions, as they distance us from the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through Allah's guidance and protection that we are able to refrain from actions that displease Him.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to be grateful for the opportunities and abilities granted to us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to engage in acts of obedience. It encourages us to reflect on the blessings of Allah and to strive to increase our obedience and devotion to Him. It also reminds us of the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and guidance in our journey towards righteousness.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the ability to engage in acts of obedience and to refrain from disobedience. It reminds us of the divine facilitation and enablement provided by Allah, and encourages us to seek His assistance and guidance in our journey towards righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to carry out acts of obedience and protect us from disobedience.