Hadith #83

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two sources of deliverance from the punishment of Allah. The first source, which has been raised up, refers to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), while the second source, which remains, is the seeking of forgiveness.

The Arabic word (amanaan) "أَمَانَانِ" in the Hadith refers to sources of safety or deliverance. It emphasizes the importance of these two sources in protecting oneself from the punishment of Allah. The word (rufi'a) "رُفِعَ" means to be raised or elevated, indicating that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) has been elevated to a higher status and is no longer physically present among us.

To understand the significance of these two sources, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:33):

And Allah is not to chastise them while you are among them, nor is Allah to chastise them while yet they seek forgiveness.

This verse emphasizes that Allah will not punish a people as long as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is among them and they continue to seek forgiveness.

This verse supports the first part of the Hadith, which states that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is the source of deliverance that has been raised up. During his lifetime, the Prophet (ﷺ) was a living embodiment of guidance and mercy. His presence among the people served as a protection from the punishment of Allah. His teachings and example continue to guide us today through the preserved Quran and Sunnah.

The second part of the Hadith highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness as a means of deliverance. The Arabic word (al-baqi) "الْبَاقِى" refers to what remains or persists. It signifies that seeking forgiveness is an ongoing and continuous process that remains available to us.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in the same verse that He will not punish a people while they are seeking forgiveness. This highlights the immense mercy and forgiveness of Allah. It is a reminder that no matter how great our sins may be, as long as we sincerely seek forgiveness, Allah is ready to forgive us.

Seeking forgiveness is not merely a verbal act, but a heartfelt repentance accompanied by a sincere intention to change one's ways. It involves acknowledging our mistakes, regretting them, and striving to rectify our actions. It is a means of purifying our souls and seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

The consequences of adhering to these two sources of deliverance are profound. By following the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and seeking forgiveness, we can protect ourselves from the punishment of Allah. We can attain spiritual growth, purification, and ultimately, salvation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam, emphasizes the importance of holding onto these two sources. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims of all generations to follow the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) and seek forgiveness from Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the two sources of deliverance from the punishment of Allah - the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and the seeking of forgiveness. It reminds us of the importance of following the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) and continuously seeking forgiveness from Allah. By adhering to these sources, we can protect ourselves from the punishment of Allah, attain spiritual growth, and seek His mercy and forgiveness. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to seek forgiveness sincerely.