Hadith #545

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) expresses his astonishment at those who deny the concept of a second genesis, or the resurrection, despite witnessing the first genesis, or the creation of the universe and all that it contains. This Hadith highlights the importance of reflecting upon the signs of Allah's creation and recognizing the existence of a higher power.

The word (nasha'ah) "نَشأَةَ" in this Hadith refers to the act of creation or origination. It signifies the beginning or the emergence of something. The first genesis mentioned here refers to the creation of the universe and all living beings, while the second genesis refers to the resurrection and the life after death.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the concept of resurrection and the life after death. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, Allah says, (Quran 44:38-40)

And We created not the heavens and the earth and that between them in play. We created them not except in truth, but most of them do not know. Indeed, the Day of Judgement is the appointed time for them all.

This ayah highlights the purposeful creation of the heavens and the earth, and the fact that they were not created in vain. It emphasizes that the Day of Judgement is the appointed time for all beings to be held accountable for their actions. This is a clear indication of the second genesis, where all individuals will be resurrected and recompensed for their deeds.

Another verse that supports the concept of the second genesis is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, where Allah says, (Quran 17:49-51)

And they say, 'When we are bones and crumbled particles, will we [truly] be resurrected as a new creation?' Say, 'Be you stones or iron. Or [any] creation of that which is great within your breasts.' And they will say, 'Who will restore us?' Say, 'He who brought you forth the first time.' Then they will nod their heads toward you and say, 'When is that?' Say, 'Perhaps it will be soon.'

This ayah addresses the doubts and skepticism of those who deny the concept of resurrection. Allah challenges them by highlighting the fact that He created them from nothing in the first place, and therefore, it is not beyond His power to recreate them. The response of the disbelievers, questioning the timing of the resurrection, is met with the reminder that it may be sooner than they expect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wonderment at those who deny the second genesis while witnessing the first genesis is a reflection of the human capacity for observation and reasoning. The creation of the universe, with its intricate design and balance, serves as a clear sign of Allah's existence and His power to bring about a second genesis.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to ponder upon the signs of Allah's creation and to recognize the purpose behind it. It reminds us that just as Allah created us from nothing in the first place, He has the power to resurrect us after death. It serves as a motivation to lead a righteous life, knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions in the hereafter.

The consequences of denying the second genesis are grave. Those who reject this concept fail to recognize the ultimate justice of Allah and the purpose behind their existence. They disregard the signs of Allah's creation and the guidance provided in the Quran. Denying the second genesis leads to a lack of accountability and a disregard for moral values, which can have detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of recognizing the signs of Allah's creation and the concept of a second genesis. It encourages us to reflect upon the purpose of our existence and to live a righteous life, knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the truth and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Islam.