Hadith #4848

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No one attains felicity except by upholding the bounds of Allah and no one becomes wretched except by disregarding them.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of adhering to the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to achieve true happiness and success in this life and the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "felicity" in this context refers to true and lasting happiness, contentment, and success. It is a state of being that encompasses both worldly and spiritual fulfillment. On the other hand, "wretchedness" signifies a state of misery, dissatisfaction, and failure.

The phrase

upholding the bounds of Allah

refers to the act of observing and respecting the limits and boundaries set by Allah in His divine guidance. These boundaries encompass all aspects of life, including personal conduct, social interactions, and religious obligations. By adhering to these limits, one ensures that their actions are in accordance with the divine will, leading to a life of righteousness and fulfillment.

Conversely,

disregarding the bounds of Allah

refers to neglecting or transgressing these limits. This can occur when individuals knowingly or unknowingly engage in actions that are prohibited or discouraged in Islam. Such disregard for the divine boundaries leads to a life of disobedience, sin, and ultimately, wretchedness.

To further understand the significance of upholding the bounds of Allah, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:189),

They ask you about the new moons. Say, 'They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.' And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors. And fear Allah that you may succeed.

This verse highlights the importance of adhering to the prescribed rituals and boundaries set by Allah during the pilgrimage of Hajj. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in obeying Allah's commands and avoiding any actions that deviate from His guidance. By doing so, one attains success and felicity in both this world and the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining the balance and order established by Allah on earth. It warns against causing corruption and transgressing the limits set by Him. By upholding these bounds, invoking Allah in fear and hope, and striving to do good, one can attain His mercy and experience true felicity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to always strive to uphold the boundaries set by Allah. By doing so, we can attain true happiness, success, and contentment in this life and the hereafter. Disregarding these bounds, however, leads to a life of misery and dissatisfaction.

Let us reflect upon our own lives and assess whether we are upholding the bounds of Allah or disregarding them. May Allah guide us to the straight path and grant us the strength to adhere to His limits, so that we may attain true felicity and avoid wretchedness.