Hadith #1162

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

مَنْ أطاعَ إمامَهُ فَقَدْ أطاعَ رَبَّهُ۔

This translates to

One who obeys his Imām has obeyed his Lord.

This wise utterance emphasizes the significance of following and obeying the appointed leader or Imām, as it is tantamount to obeying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. (obey) "أطاعَ" refers to submission, compliance, and adherence to the commands and guidance of the Imām. (his Imām) "إمامَهُ" signifies the leader or guide who possesses divine authority and knowledge, appointed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to guide the Muslim community. (his Lord) "رَبَّهُ" refers to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the ultimate authority and Creator of the universe.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of obeying those in authority. In Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse highlights the obligation to obey not only Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) but also those in positions of leadership within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:20), Allah states,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn away from him while you hear [his order].

This verse emphasizes the significance of unwavering obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) without any hesitation or deviation.

The exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be understood in light of these Quranic verses. When a Muslim adheres to the guidance and commands of their appointed Imām, they are essentially obeying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This is because the Imām, being divinely chosen and possessing profound knowledge, acts as a representative of Allah on earth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom, was appointed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as his successor and the first Imam of the Shia community. His obedience to the Prophet (ﷺ) was unparalleled, and he dedicated his life to upholding the teachings of Islam. Therefore, following Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his rightful successors is not only a means of obeying the Imām but also a means of obeying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By obeying the Imām, Muslims gain access to the divine knowledge and guidance bestowed upon them. They are able to navigate through the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and uphold the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness. The obedience to the Imām leads to spiritual growth, moral development, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Conversely, neglecting or rejecting the guidance of the appointed Imām can lead to confusion, division, and deviation from the true path of Islam. It is through the obedience to the Imām that Muslims can safeguard their faith, protect the unity of the Ummah, and ensure the preservation of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of obeying their appointed Imām. By doing so, they are not only fulfilling their duty to the Imām but also obeying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This obedience leads to spiritual growth, moral development, and a deeper connection with the divine. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of the Imām and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Islam.