Hadith #11265

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "طاعَةُ الهُدى تُنْجي۔" which translates to

Following true guidance leads to salvation.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ta'at) "طاعَةُ" refers to obedience, compliance, and submission. It implies willingly following the commands and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His chosen representatives. This obedience is not merely outward actions, but also encompasses the inner state of the heart and the sincerity of intentions.

The term (al-huda) "الهُدى" refers to true guidance, which is derived from the root word (hada) "هَدَى" meaning to guide or lead. It signifies the divine guidance provided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through His revelation, the Quran, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It is the path that leads to righteousness, piety, and salvation.

The word (tunjī) "تُنْجي" means to save, deliver, or rescue. It implies being saved from the perils and consequences of straying away from the true path. By following true guidance, one attains salvation in this world and the hereafter. This salvation encompasses both spiritual and worldly aspects, bringing peace, contentment, and success in all aspects of life.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256),

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following true guidance and the freedom of choice in matters of faith. It highlights that the right path has been made distinct from falsehood, and those who believe in Allah and reject false deities have firmly held onto the most reliable and unbreakable support.

In Surah Al-An'am (6:125), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 the role of Allah in guiding individuals towards the path of truth. It emphasizes that true guidance is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom Allah wishes to guide. It also warns against the consequences of rejecting guidance, which leads to a constricted heart and a state of confusion and misguidance.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that following true guidance is the key to salvation and success in both this world and the hereafter. It is through obedience to Allah's commands and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that we attain true guidance.

By aligning our actions, intentions, and beliefs with the divine guidance, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of misguidance and the temptations of worldly desires. This obedience leads to a state of tranquility, righteousness, and ultimate salvation.

Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought, should strive to follow true guidance in all aspects of their lives. This entails seeking knowledge, understanding the Quran, and emulating the noble character and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It requires constant self-reflection, self-correction, and a sincere desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to follow true guidance and attain salvation in this world and the hereafter. May He bless us with the wisdom, knowledge, and sincerity to navigate the challenges of life and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. And may He unite all Muslims in their pursuit of true guidance and the love for the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).