Hadith #8640

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the Qur'an and its profound impact on our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating,

It is what prevents the desires from deviating towards the forbidden.

Here, the word "desires" refers to our base instincts and inclinations that may lead us astray from the path of righteousness. The Qur'an acts as a guiding light, preventing our desires from leading us towards what is forbidden in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a moral compass, reminding us of our obligations and restraining us from indulging in sinful actions.

The Quranic verses that support this aspect of the hadith are numerous. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:176),

And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the consequences of following one's desires, which can lead to a degradation of one's character and a distancing from the path of righteousness. The Qur'an, on the other hand, serves as a shield against such deviations and guides us towards what is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second part of the hadith states,

and the uncertainties and opinions from causing doubt.

Here, the word "uncertainties" refers to doubts and ambiguities that may arise in our minds regarding matters of faith and religious practices. The Qur'an acts as a source of clarity, dispelling doubts and providing us with firm guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2-3),

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah - Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.

These verses emphasize the certainty and guidance that the Qur'an provides. It is a book free from any ambiguity or contradiction, offering clear guidance to those who seek it. By adhering to the teachings of the Qur'an, we can overcome uncertainties and opinions that may cause doubt in our hearts.

Reflecting on this hadith, we realize the immense importance of the Qur'an in our lives as Muslims. It serves as a shield against our base desires, preventing us from straying into forbidden territories. Moreover, it dispels doubts and uncertainties, providing us with a solid foundation for our faith.

As Muslims, we should strive to develop a deep connection with the Qur'an and seek guidance from its verses. By doing so, we can navigate through the challenges of life, strengthen our faith, and attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us make a sincere effort to study, understand, and implement the teachings of the Qur'an in our daily lives, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the righteous companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to comprehend the profound wisdom of the Qur'an and grant us the strength to live our lives in accordance with its teachings.