Hadith #4419

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاضَلالَ مَعَ إرشاد۔" This powerful statement can be translated as,

There is no going astray with right guidance.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (dalaalah) "ضَلَالَ" in Arabic refers to straying away from the right path, deviating from the truth, or being misled. On the other hand, (irshaad) "إرشاد" means guidance, leading someone towards the right path, and showing them the way. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that when one has the right guidance, they cannot go astray.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guidance and the consequences of straying from it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:2)

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah

Here, Allah describes the Quran as a source of guidance for those who are mindful of Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Fatiha, we recite in every prayer, (Quran 1:6)

Guide us to the straight path

This verse highlights our constant need for guidance from Allah to remain on the right path. It is through this guidance that we can avoid straying and falling into misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds immense wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims. It emphasizes the significance of seeking and adhering to the right guidance in all aspects of our lives. When we have the correct guidance, whether it be from the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), or the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt, we are protected from straying and making mistakes.

For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, we can turn to the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) for guidance. By following the principles outlined in these sources, we can make decisions that align with the values and teachings of Islam. This ensures that we do not deviate from the path of righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of misguidance.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom. His profound understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) allowed him to provide guidance to the Muslim community during his time. By following his example and seeking knowledge, we can equip ourselves with the tools necessary to navigate through life and stay on the right path.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

There is no going astray with right guidance,

emphasizes the importance of seeking and adhering to the correct guidance in all aspects of our lives. By following the teachings of the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the Ahl al-Bayt, we can protect ourselves from straying and falling into misguidance. Let us strive to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of Islam, and apply them in our lives, so that we may remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us all the ability to seek and follow the right guidance.