Hadith #5216

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.

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

شافِعُ الْمُجْرِمِ خُضُوعُهُ بِالْمَعْذِرَةِ۔

This Hadith highlights the concept of intercession and the role of humility in seeking forgiveness. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (shafi'u) "شافِعُ" in this Hadith refers to the intercessor, the one who pleads on behalf of another. In the Islamic context, intercession is a concept where a righteous person, with the permission of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), intercedes for someone else to obtain forgiveness or mercy. The intercessor acts as a mediator between the sinner and Allah, seeking pardon and mercy for the transgressor.

The term (mujrimi) "مُجْرِمِ" in this Hadith refers to a criminal or a sinner. It signifies someone who has committed a wrongdoing or transgression against the laws of Allah. It is important to note that the severity of the crime or sin is not specified in the Hadith, indicating that this concept of intercession applies to all levels of sins.

The Hadith emphasizes that the key to receiving intercession is the humility and sincerity of the sinner in seeking forgiveness. The word (khudu'u) "خُضُوعُهُ" denotes a state of submission, humility, and repentance. It implies that the sinner must approach Allah with a genuine sense of remorse and regret for their actions, acknowledging their wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness with utmost humility.

The phrase (bil-ma'dhirah) "بِالْمَعْذِرَةِ" translates to "with an excuse" or "by seeking pardon." It signifies that the sinner should not only express remorse but also actively seek forgiveness from Allah. This involves acknowledging one's mistakes, seeking repentance, and making sincere efforts to rectify one's behavior.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of intercession and the importance of seeking forgiveness with humility. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255), Allah says,

Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?

This verse highlights that intercession is only possible with the permission of Allah, emphasizing His ultimate authority and control over all matters.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), Allah states,

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse reassures us that Allah's mercy is vast and all-encompassing. It encourages us to turn to Him in repentance, regardless of the magnitude of our sins.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that seeking intercession requires genuine humility and sincere repentance. When a sinner humbly seeks forgiveness and sincerely repents for their wrongdoings, they open the doors to Allah's mercy and forgiveness. This Hadith reminds us that no matter how grave our sins may be, Allah's mercy is always within reach if we approach Him with a sincere heart.

The consequences of understanding and implementing this Hadith are profound. It instills hope and encourages Muslims to turn to Allah in times of difficulty and seek His forgiveness. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, Allah's mercy is always available to those who sincerely seek it. This Hadith also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal accountability, as it encourages individuals to acknowledge their mistakes and actively work towards rectifying their behavior.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of humility and sincere repentance in seeking forgiveness and intercession. It reminds us that Allah's mercy is vast and that He forgives all sins when approached with genuine remorse and a sincere desire to change. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of humility and repentance, seeking forgiveness from Allah and striving to rectify our actions. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us His forgiveness and mercy.