Hadith #4928

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the essence of Islam and its multifaceted nature. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the significance of each word and its implications in light of the Quran.

The first word that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses to describe Islam is (tabṣirah) "تَبْصِرَةٌ", which can be translated as "instruction" or "guidance." This word signifies that Islam serves as a source of enlightenment and knowledge for those who are determined and resolute in seeking the truth. It is a beacon of light that illuminates the path towards righteousness. The Quran affirms this concept in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to mankind.

The second word used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (ayah) "آيَةٌ", which means "sign" or "symbol." Here, he emphasizes that Islam is not merely a set of rituals and practices, but rather a comprehensive system that contains profound wisdom and lessons. Just as the verses of the Quran are signs from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that guide us towards the truth, Islam itself is a sign for those who deeply contemplate and reflect upon its teachings. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 190, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.

The third word used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (‘ibrah) "عِبْرَةٌ", which can be translated as "lesson" or "moral." This word highlights the transformative power of Islam, as it provides valuable lessons and insights for those who are attentive and receptive. Islam teaches us moral values, ethical principles, and guides us towards virtuous conduct. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 43, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And remember when Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [of whether to fight], but Allah saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes Islam as (najah) "نَجَاةٌ", which means "salvation" or "deliverance." This word signifies that Islam is not only a guide for this worldly life but also a means of attaining salvation in the hereafter. By accepting and adhering to the teachings of Islam, one can attain salvation from the perils and tribulations of this world and secure a place in the eternal bliss of Paradise. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 112, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Yes, but whoever submits his face in Islam to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound description of Islam in this Hadith reminds us of the comprehensive nature of our faith. Islam is not merely a set of rituals, but a complete way of life that provides guidance, signs, lessons, and ultimately, salvation. It is incumbent upon us as Muslims to deeply contemplate and reflect upon the teachings of Islam, seeking knowledge and wisdom from the Quran, and applying its principles in our daily lives. By doing so, we can truly benefit from the instruction, signs, lessons, and salvation that Islam offers.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of Islam in our lives, and may He guide us on the straight path towards success in this world and the hereafter.