Hadith #2644

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَنِ اتَّخَذَ الحَقَّ لِجاماً اِتَّخَذَهُ النَّاسُ إماماً۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who takes the truth as his reins, the people will take him to be their leader.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (haqq) "حَقَّ" refers to the truth, which is the embodiment of righteousness, justice, and divine guidance. It is the ultimate reality that aligns with the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). The word (jaam) "جَامًا" means reins, which are used to control and guide a horse. Here, it symbolizes the control and guidance that the truth provides to an individual.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256,

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the truth willingly and without any coercion. It highlights that the truth stands out from falsehood, and it is our responsibility to recognize and embrace it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order].

This verse emphasizes the significance of adhering to the truth as conveyed by the Prophet (ﷺ). It highlights the importance of following the guidance of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and not deviating from it.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When an individual takes the truth as their reins, it means that they firmly hold onto it and use it as a guiding principle in their lives. They base their decisions, actions, and beliefs on the principles of truth, justice, and righteousness. Such a person becomes a beacon of guidance for others, and people naturally gravitate towards them as a leader.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed an unparalleled knowledge of the truth. His wisdom, piety, and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) made him a true embodiment of the truth. People recognized his exceptional qualities and sought his guidance and leadership. He became the fourth caliph of the Muslim community, and his reign was marked by justice, compassion, and the establishment of a just society.

The consequences of taking the truth as our reins are profound. When we align ourselves with the truth, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Our actions and words reflect the principles of truth and justice, and people are naturally drawn towards us. We become leaders not by force or coercion, but by the strength of our character and adherence to the truth.

As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to reflect on this Hadith and strive to make the truth our guiding principle in all aspects of our lives. We should seek knowledge, understand the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet (ﷺ), and implement them in our actions. By doing so, we can become leaders who inspire others to follow the path of truth and righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the truth and enable us to become beacons of guidance for others. May He grant us the wisdom and strength to hold onto the truth as our reins and lead by example. Ameen.