Hadith #6750

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 عَرَفَ اللّهَ تَوَحَّدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who knows Allah believes in his oneness.

In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of recognizing and understanding the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (arafa) "عَرَفَ" means to know, recognize, or have knowledge of something. In this context, it refers to having a deep understanding and awareness of Allah's attributes, His existence, and His oneness. The word (tawhid) "تَوَحَّدَ" signifies the belief in the oneness of Allah, acknowledging that He is the only true God, without any partners or associates.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where numerous verses emphasize the concept of Tawhid. For instance, in Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 112:1-4)

Say, 'He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'

This ayah beautifully encapsulates the essence of Tawhid, affirming that Allah is One, eternal, and incomparable. It reinforces the belief that Allah is not begotten nor does He beget, emphasizing His uniqueness and absolute oneness.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (Chapter 6), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(Quran 2:163)

And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the unity of Allah, declaring that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. It highlights His attributes of mercy and compassion, further reinforcing the concept of Tawhid.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. By stating that

One who knows Allah believes in his oneness,

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the inseparable connection between knowledge of Allah and belief in His oneness. True knowledge of Allah leads to the firm conviction that He is the only God, without any partners or associates.

When a person truly knows Allah, they recognize His sovereignty, His absolute power, and His unmatched attributes. This knowledge instills in them a deep sense of awe, reverence, and love for their Creator. It shapes their worldview, their actions, and their relationship with Allah and His creation.

Belief in the oneness of Allah has profound implications for a Muslim's life. It serves as the foundation of faith, guiding their worship, their moral conduct, and their interactions with others. It reminds them that all power and authority ultimately belong to Allah alone, and that they should submit to His will in all aspects of their lives.

Furthermore, recognizing the oneness of Allah leads to a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. It erases divisions based on race, ethnicity, or social status, as all believers are equal before Allah. This belief in Tawhid unites Muslims in their devotion to Allah and their pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing Allah and believing in His oneness. It calls upon Muslims to deepen their understanding of Allah's attributes and to internalize the concept of Tawhid in their hearts and minds. By doing so, they can strengthen their faith, align their actions with the teachings of Islam, and foster unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the knowledge and understanding to truly know Him and believe in His oneness.