Hadith #6704

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ الشَّفيعُ الاِعْتِذارُ۔" This can be translated as,

How good an intercessor seeking pardon is!

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense value and power of seeking forgiveness and intercession.

To truly understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (shafi'u) "شَّفيعُ" refers to an intercessor, someone who mediates on behalf of another. It implies seeking pardon or forgiveness for someone who has committed a wrong. The word (i'thizar) "اِعْتِذارُ" means seeking pardon or making an apology.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and intercession. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:199)

And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful

This verse encourages us to seek forgiveness from Allah, acknowledging His mercy and forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (4:64)

And if, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you, [O Muhammad], and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Accepting of repentance and Merciful

This verse highlights the significance of seeking intercession from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the effectiveness of seeking pardon and intercession. When we sincerely seek forgiveness for ourselves or others, we acknowledge our mistakes and demonstrate humility before Allah. This act of seeking pardon not only purifies our souls but also opens the doors of mercy and forgiveness from Allah.

Moreover, seeking intercession from the righteous individuals, such as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt, is a means of attaining Allah's mercy and forgiveness. Their elevated status and proximity to Allah make them powerful intercessors on our behalf. By seeking their intercession, we demonstrate our love and respect for them, and Allah, in His infinite mercy, accepts their intercession.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to constantly seek forgiveness and intercession. It encourages us to reflect upon our actions, seek repentance, and strive to rectify our wrongdoings. It also reminds us of the immense mercy and forgiveness of Allah, who is always ready to accept our sincere apologies.

By seeking pardon and intercession, we not only cleanse our souls but also strengthen our relationship with Allah. It is a means of seeking His pleasure and attaining His mercy. Let us, as Muslims, embrace the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be among those who seek forgiveness and intercession, for indeed, it is a great blessing and a path towards eternal success. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us His forgiveness and mercy.