Hadith #6073

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,

مَنْ أطاعَ اللّهَ اِجْتَباهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever obeys Allah, He chooses him [to be among those who are close to Him].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (obey) "أطاعَ" in this Hadith refers to complete submission and compliance to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It entails not only following the obligatory acts of worship, but also adhering to the teachings of Islam in all aspects of life. This obedience is not limited to mere actions, but also encompasses the sincerity of intentions and the purification of the heart.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises that when a person truly obeys Him, He chooses them. This selection is a divine favor and a sign of Allah's love and acceptance. It signifies that the obedient person is among those who are close to Allah, enjoying a special relationship and proximity to Him.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Imran (3:31), Allah says,

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a means to attain Allah's love and forgiveness. Similarly, obedience to Allah leads to His selection and favor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the significance of obedience to both Allah and His Messenger. It reminds us that obedience is not only a means of attaining Allah's favor, but also a source of strength and support from Him.

The consequences of obeying Allah are profound. When a person sincerely obeys Allah, they are blessed with His guidance, protection, and mercy. Their actions become aligned with the divine will, leading to success in this world and the hereafter. Obedience to Allah brings about inner peace, contentment, and a sense of purpose in life.

Moreover, the obedience to Allah is not limited to performing acts of worship, but extends to all aspects of life. It includes fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families, society, and the environment. It entails being just, compassionate, and honest in our dealings with others. By obeying Allah in every aspect of our lives, we strive to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which enabled him to understand the true essence of obedience to Allah. His obedience was not limited to external actions, but extended to the depths of his heart and soul. He embodied the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) in every aspect of his life, serving as a role model for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of sincere obedience to Allah. It teaches us that through obedience, we are chosen by Allah and granted a special closeness to Him. This Hadith is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of obedience in attaining Allah's love, forgiveness, and guidance. May Allah grant us the ability to obey Him wholeheartedly and be among those who are close to Him.