Hadith #2955

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

The world is never devoid of an establisher of the proof of Allah, either [as an] apparent and known [person] or [as a] hidden and unknown [person], so that the proof of Allah and His message does not become void.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The term (establisher of the proof of Allah) "قائِم لِلّهِ بِحُجَجِهِ" refers to an individual who upholds and establishes the evidence and arguments of Allah. This person is a representative of Allah, entrusted with the responsibility of conveying His message and defending His religion.

The Hadith further mentions that this establisher of the proof of Allah can be either (apparent and known) "ظاهِراً مَشْهُوراً" or (hidden and unknown) "باطِناً مَغْمُوراً". This implies that there are times when the establisher of the proof of Allah is recognized and well-known, while at other times, they may remain concealed and unrecognized by the majority.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah An-Nahl (16:36),

And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.' And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.

This verse highlights that throughout history, Allah has sent messengers to every nation to establish His proof and guide people towards the truth. These messengers were either apparent and well-known, like Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), or hidden and unknown, like the righteous individuals who upheld the message of Allah in their respective communities.

Another verse that supports the concept of the establisher of the proof of Allah is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), where Allah says,

We certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

This verse emphasizes that the messengers of Allah were sent with clear proofs and divine scriptures, enabling them to establish the truth and justice among the people. They were the establishers of the proof of Allah, ensuring that His message remains intact and uncorrupted.

Now, reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that the presence of the establisher of the proof of Allah is essential for the preservation of His message. Whether this individual is apparent and known or hidden and unknown, their role is crucial in upholding the truth and preventing the distortion or nullification of Allah's proofs.

Throughout history, we have witnessed the presence of such individuals who have fulfilled this role. They have defended the teachings of Islam, clarified misconceptions, and guided people towards the path of righteousness. Their knowledge, wisdom, and adherence to the principles of Islam have served as a beacon of light in times of darkness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was the epitome of knowledge and wisdom. His profound understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam made him the perfect example of an establisher of the proof of Allah. His teachings and guidance continue to inspire and enlighten Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the continuous presence of individuals who establish the proof of Allah in the world. Their existence ensures that the message of Islam remains intact and that the truth is upheld. As Muslims, we should strive to seek knowledge, follow the teachings of the Quran, and recognize and support those who fulfill the role of the establisher of the proof of Allah in our time. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and enable us to be steadfast in upholding His message.