Hadith #7857

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and asking Him for success, while also urging us to abandon any actions or behaviors that lead us into doubt or misguidance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the words used in this Hadith. The word (istiaanah) "اِسْتِعانَةِ" means seeking assistance or help. It implies recognizing our own limitations and turning to Allah for support and guidance. This word highlights the concept of reliance on Allah, acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of all strength and success.

The word (raghbah) "رَغْبَةِ" means desire or inclination. In this context, it refers to the desire to attain success through the help and guidance of Allah. It signifies our yearning to align our actions and intentions with the divine will, seeking His approval and blessings.

The phrase (tarkeeka kulla sha'ibah)

تَرْكِكَ كُلَّ شائِبَة (شائِنَة)

can be translated as

abandoning every shortcoming (or disgraceful act).

Here, (sha'ibah) "شائِبَة" refers to any action or behavior that is blameworthy or morally questionable. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to leave behind all such actions that may lead us astray or create doubts in our faith.

The phrase (awalajatka fi shubah) "أوْلَجَتْكَ في شُبْهَة" means

that drives you into doubt.

It highlights the importance of avoiding actions or behaviors that may lead to uncertainty or confusion in matters of faith. By abandoning such actions, we can maintain a strong and unwavering belief in Allah and His guidance.

Furthermore, the phrase (aslamtaka ila dalaalah) "أسْلَمَتْكَ إلى ضَلالَة" can be translated as

that surrenders you to misguidance.

It emphasizes the consequences of indulging in actions or behaviors that lead us away from the path of righteousness. Surrendering to misguidance can have detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being and distance us from the true teachings of Islam.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Fatiha (1:5-7),

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us on the Straight Path, the path of those who have received Your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who have gone astray.

This Quranic verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and guidance. It reminds us that true success lies in following the Straight Path, which is the path of those who have received Allah's grace. By seeking His help and abandoning actions that lead to doubt or misguidance, we align ourselves with the path of righteousness and increase our chances of attaining success in this life and the Hereafter.

Another relevant Quranic verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse highlights the importance of turning to Allah in times of need and seeking His assistance. It reassures us that Allah is always near and ready to respond to our prayers and supplications. By seeking His help and guidance, we strengthen our connection with Him and increase our chances of success in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking assistance from Allah, asking for His guidance and success, and abandoning any actions or behaviors that lead us into doubt or misguidance. By relying on Allah and aligning our actions with His will, we can attain true success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek His assistance in all our endeavors.