Hadith #9823

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

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

مَنْ وَثِقَ بِإحْسانِكَ أشْفَقَ عَلى سُلْطانِكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who relies upon your goodness is concerned about [the end of] your rule.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this hadith. The word (wathiq) "وَثِقَ" means to rely or depend on something or someone. It signifies placing trust and confidence in the goodness and benevolence of another. The word (ihsanika) "إحْسانِكَ" refers to the goodness, excellence, and kindness of the person being relied upon. In this context, it refers to the goodness of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The phrase (ashfaqa 'ala sultanika) "أشْفَقَ عَلى سُلْطانِكَ" can be translated as

is concerned about [the end of] your rule.

Here, (ashfaqa) "أشْفَقَ" means to be concerned, worried, or anxious about something. (sultanika) "سُلْطانِكَ" refers to the rule or authority of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

To understand the essence of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:7),

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of relying on the guidance and leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah and His chosen representatives, and that following their example leads to righteousness and success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].

This verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance and support from Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. It emphasizes the significance of establishing prayer, giving zakah, and humbling oneself in worship. This serves as a reminder that relying on the goodness and guidance of the righteous leads to spiritual and worldly success.

In light of these Quranic verses, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a profound lesson. It emphasizes the importance of relying on the goodness and excellence of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and being concerned about the preservation and continuity of his rule.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge, wisdom, and piety. He was the gate to the city of knowledge and the embodiment of justice. Relying on his guidance and leadership ensures that we are on the path of righteousness and success.

By being concerned about the end of his rule, we demonstrate our commitment to upholding justice, promoting righteousness, and preserving the teachings of Islam. It motivates us to actively participate in the establishment of a just society and to strive for the betterment of humanity.

The consequences of relying on the goodness of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and being concerned about the end of his rule are profound. It strengthens our faith, deepens our understanding of Islam, and enables us to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and righteousness. It also fosters unity among Muslims, as we recognize the importance of following the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of relying on the goodness and guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and being concerned about the preservation and continuity of their rule. It reminds us to seek guidance from the Quran and to emulate the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. By doing so, we can attain true success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to rely on the goodness of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).