Hadith #8127

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

أفْضَلُ التَّوَسُّلِ (التَّوَصُّلِ) الاِسْتِغْفارُ۔

This can be translated as:

The best supplication (or means of coming closer to Allah) is seeking forgiveness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (tawassul) "تَوَسُّلِ" or (tawassul) "تَوَصُّلِ" in this Hadith refers to seeking a means or a way to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies seeking a path or a method to establish a stronger connection with our Creator. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the most excellent form of tawassul is through seeking forgiveness.

The act of seeking forgiveness, or (istighfar) "الاِسْتِغْفارُ", is a fundamental aspect of our faith. It involves acknowledging our shortcomings, sins, and mistakes, and sincerely turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His mercy and forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness is an act of humility, repentance, and a means to cleanse our souls from the impurities of sin.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages us to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after completing acts of worship, such as the pilgrimage.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness as a means to avoid causing corruption and to maintain righteousness.

Seeking forgiveness is not only a way to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also has profound effects on our spiritual and emotional well-being. When we sincerely seek forgiveness, we acknowledge our mistakes and strive to rectify them. This act of self-reflection and repentance leads to a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Moreover, seeking forgiveness is a means to attain Allah's mercy and blessings. In Surah Hud (11:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [saying], 'Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day.'

By seeking forgiveness, we open the doors of Allah's mercy and blessings upon ourselves. It is a way to seek His favor and protection from His punishment. Seeking forgiveness is not limited to a specific time or place; it is a continuous act that should be part of our daily lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of seeking forgiveness as the best means of tawassul. By constantly seeking forgiveness, we acknowledge our imperfections and strive to improve ourselves. It is through this act of humility and repentance that we can establish a closer and more meaningful relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best way to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is through seeking forgiveness. This act of humility, repentance, and self-reflection not only purifies our souls but also opens the doors of Allah's mercy and blessings upon us. May we constantly seek forgiveness and strive to improve ourselves, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) accept our repentance and grant us His forgiveness.