Hadith #4065

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the religion of Islam. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deep meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ablaj) "أبْلَجُ", which means "brightest" or "most radiant." This word signifies the luminosity and brilliance of the path of Islam. It highlights the clarity and guidance that Islam provides to its followers. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:15), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.

The second significant word is (nayyir) "نَيِّرُ", which means "clearest" or "most illuminated." This word emphasizes the clarity and enlightenment that Islam brings to the lives of its adherents. It illuminates the path towards righteousness and guides Muslims towards the straight path. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:122),

Is he who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?

The third word is (mushrif) "مُشْرِفُ", which means "elevated" or "exalted." This word signifies the lofty status and position of Islam. It represents the elevated nature of the religion and its teachings. Islam raises the moral and spiritual standards of its followers, guiding them towards higher levels of righteousness and piety. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

The fourth word is (rafi') "رَفِيعُ", which means "lofty" or "high." This word signifies the exalted goal and purpose of Islam. It represents the ultimate objective of attaining nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure. Islam encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life and to reach the highest levels of spirituality. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound description of Islam in this Hadith reflects the comprehensive nature of the religion. Islam is not merely a set of rituals or beliefs, but a complete way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence. It provides guidance in matters of faith, morality, social interactions, and governance.

The brightness and clarity of Islam illuminate the path for Muslims, enabling them to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It serves as a beacon of light in a world filled with darkness and confusion. Islam provides a clear roadmap for Muslims to navigate through the challenges and complexities of life.

The elevated and lofty nature of Islam inspires Muslims to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. It encourages them to seek knowledge, pursue justice, and promote compassion and mercy. Islam calls upon Muslims to continuously strive for self-improvement and to work towards the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) description of Islam in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the true teachings of the religion. It reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding the Quran, and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the true path of Islam and enable us to embody its teachings in our lives. May we strive to be bright, clear, elevated, and lofty in our faith and actions, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do.