Hadith #3534

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) emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness, well-being, and success from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this amazing Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in the Hadith. The word (afwa) "عَفْوَ" means forgiveness, indicating the act of pardoning and overlooking one's sins or mistakes. (afiya) "عافِيَةَ" refers to well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health. Lastly, (tawfiq) "تَّوفيقِ" denotes good success or guidance from Allah in carrying out His commands and fulfilling our duties.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the significance of seeking forgiveness from Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:199), Allah says,

Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and emphasizes Allah's attribute of forgiveness.

Similarly, the Quran emphasizes the importance of well-being in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), where Allah says,

Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.

This verse demonstrates the recognition of our human limitations and the need for Allah's mercy and well-being.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and success in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the correlation between fearing Allah, seeking His guidance, and attaining success in both this world and the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the profound implications of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. By asking Allah for forgiveness, we acknowledge our shortcomings and seek His mercy and pardon. This act of humility and repentance not only purifies our souls but also strengthens our relationship with Allah.

Seeking well-being encompasses all aspects of our lives, including physical, mental, and spiritual health. By asking Allah for well-being, we recognize that true success lies in maintaining a balanced and harmonious state of being. It reminds us to take care of our bodies, minds, and souls, and to seek Allah's blessings and protection in all aspects of our lives.

Lastly, seeking good success or guidance from Allah is a testament to our reliance on Him. It acknowledges that true success can only be achieved through His guidance and support. By seeking His tawfiq, we align our actions with His will, increasing the likelihood of success in our endeavors.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a reminder for all Muslims to constantly seek forgiveness, well-being, and success from Allah. They encourage us to reflect on our actions, seek His mercy, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our daily lives and may He shower us with His forgiveness, well-being, and success.