Hadith #5999

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

أحقُّ مَنْ أطَعْتَهُ مَنْ أمَرَكَ بِالتُّقى، ونَهاكَ عَنِ الهَوى۔

This wise utterance highlights the importance of obedience and identifies the most deserving person to be obeyed. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (ahqu) "أحقُّ" means "the most deserving" or "the most rightful." It emphasizes the superiority and rightful position of the person being obeyed. The word (ata'atahu) "أطَعْتَهُ" means "whom you obey," indicating that obedience is a fundamental aspect of this discussion. The word (amarak) "أمَرَكَ" means "orders you," signifying the authority and guidance provided by the person being obeyed. The word (bit-taqwa) "بِالتُّقى" means "to maintain piety" or

to be conscious of Allah.

It refers to the act of being mindful of Allah's commands and avoiding anything that displeases Him. The word (nahaka) "نَهاكَ" means "forbids you," highlighting the role of the person being obeyed in preventing us from following our vain desires. Finally, the word (al-hawa) "الهَوى" means "vain desires" or "base desires," which encompass anything that leads us away from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:7),

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance, and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of obeying the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and the significance of faith in our hearts. It emphasizes that obedience to the Prophet (ﷺ) is essential for guidance and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), as well as those in authority. It highlights the need for unity and resolving disputes through the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that the most deserving person to be obeyed is the one who orders us to maintain piety and forbids us from following our vain desires. This person is the one who guides us towards righteousness and protects us from straying away from the path of Allah. By obeying such a person, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, exemplified these qualities throughout his life. His teachings and actions were rooted in piety and his unwavering commitment to the path of Allah. He guided the Muslim ummah with his profound knowledge and served as a beacon of light for those seeking guidance.

The consequences of obeying the one who orders us to maintain piety and forbids us from following vain desires are immense. It leads to spiritual growth, moral development, and a closer connection with Allah. By adhering to the guidance of such a person, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of worldly temptations and ensure our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we must strive to identify and follow those who embody the qualities described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should seek out individuals who guide us towards piety, righteousness, and the path of Allah. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of life with a clear conscience and a steadfast commitment to pleasing Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of obedience and identifies the most deserving person to be obeyed. By ordering us to maintain piety and forbidding us from following vain desires, this person guides us towards righteousness and protects us from straying away from the path of Allah. It is crucial for us, as Muslims, to reflect on this profound teaching and strive to align our actions with the guidance of those who embody these qualities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the path of piety and righteousness.