Hadith #4626

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and knowledge from those who have been vested with the authority of Allah. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Visit those who are obedient to Allah for His sake.

The word (zur) "زُرْ" means to visit or to go to someone. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to visit and seek the company of those who are obedient to Allah. This implies that we should surround ourselves with righteous individuals who are steadfast in their obedience to Allah and His commands. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge, guidance, and spiritual presence.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Take guidance from those who have been vested with His authority.

The word (hidayah) "هِدايَةَ" means guidance or direction. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to seek guidance from those who have been entrusted with the authority of Allah. These individuals are the ones who possess deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They are the inheritors of the Prophetic wisdom and are equipped to guide the ummah on the right path.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for supporting verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:7),

And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those who have been chosen by Allah to receive divine revelation. It is through their knowledge and understanding that we can gain a deeper insight into the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,

And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message], so ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse reiterates the same message, emphasizing the significance of seeking knowledge and guidance from those who have been granted authority by Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate of knowledge and wisdom, is one of the primary sources of guidance for Muslims. His deep understanding of the Quran and his close companionship with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) make him an unparalleled authority in matters of faith and spirituality. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek guidance from those vested with Allah's authority, he is referring to himself and the other infallible Imams from the progeny of the Prophet (ﷺ).

By following this guidance, Muslims can benefit from the profound knowledge and wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and ensure that their actions and beliefs align with the teachings of Islam. This will lead to spiritual growth, a deeper understanding of the religion, and a stronger connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to seek the company of those who are obedient to Allah and to take guidance from those who have been vested with His authority. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge and wisdom, align our actions with the teachings of Islam, and strengthen our relationship with Allah. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to seek knowledge from the rightful authorities.