Hadith #8778

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

طُولُ القُنُوتِ والسُّجُودِ يُنْجي مِنْ عَذابِ النّارِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of prolonging the acts of qunūt (supplication) and prostration, as they have the power to save one from the punishment of hellfire.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "Qunūt" refers to the act of supplicating to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with humility and sincerity. It is a form of worship that involves raising one's hands and beseeching Allah for His mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. "Sujood" refers to the act of prostration, where a Muslim places their forehead on the ground in submission to Allah.

To understand the profound significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse highlights the importance of prayer and emphasizes the act of bowing, which includes both qunūt and sujood. By prolonging these acts, one demonstrates their utmost devotion and humility before Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 15:99)

And prostrate to Allah and worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).

This verse emphasizes the continuous worship of Allah through prostration, indicating that it should be a regular and prolonged practice in the life of a Muslim.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the following: by prolonging our qunūt and sujood, we are demonstrating our deep reverence and submission to Allah. It is through these acts of devotion that we seek His forgiveness, mercy, and protection from the punishment of hellfire. When we engage in prolonged qunūt and sujood, we are immersing ourselves in a state of complete humility and surrender to the will of Allah.

The motivation behind prolonging our qunūt and sujood lies in our desire to attain salvation and seek refuge from the torment of hellfire. By consistently engaging in these acts of worship, we are actively seeking Allah's pleasure and protection. Our prolonged supplications and prostrations serve as a means of purifying our hearts, seeking forgiveness for our sins, and strengthening our connection with our Creator.

The consequences of neglecting or rushing through our qunūt and sujood can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. When we fail to give these acts the attention and time they deserve, we risk losing the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the worship of Allah. Our connection with Him may weaken, and we may miss out on the immense blessings and rewards that come with sincere and prolonged acts of devotion.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the profound knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Islam. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, inspiring us to strive for excellence in our worship and seek salvation through prolonged qunūt and sujood.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prolonging our qunūt and sujood as a means of seeking refuge from the punishment of hellfire. By immersing ourselves in these acts of devotion, we demonstrate our utmost humility and submission to Allah. Through the Quranic verses mentioned, we understand the significance of prolonged worship and the consequences of neglecting it. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in sincere and prolonged acts of qunūt and sujood, and may He save us from the punishment of hellfire.