Hadith #992

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the incomprehensibility and limitless nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that Allah cannot be confined within the intellect, nor can He be limited by the constraints of the human mind.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (mahabb) "مَهَبِّ" refers to the intellect or the faculty of reasoning. It encompasses the process of thought and imagination. The word (fikriha) "فِكْرِها" means thought or contemplation. It signifies the mental activity that takes place within the intellect. The word (mukayyafan) "مُكَيَّفاً" denotes the changing or altering nature of something. In this context, it refers to the limitation and alteration that occurs when trying to confine Allah within the intellect.

Furthermore, the word (rawiyat) "رَوِيَّاتِ" refers to the shackles or constraints of the mind. It represents the limitations and boundaries that the human mind imposes on understanding Allah. The word (khawatirha) "خَواطِرِها" means thoughts or ideas. It signifies the mental constructs and concepts that are formed within the mind. The word (muhammadadan) "مُحَدَّداً" implies being limited or restricted. In this context, it refers to the confinement and limitation that occurs when attempting to restrict Allah within the mind.

To further elucidate the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes His incomprehensibility and limitless nature throughout the Quran. In Surah Al-An'am, Ayah 103, Allah says,

No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Subtle, the Aware.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah cannot be fully comprehended by human vision or intellect. He transcends our limited understanding and perception.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 255, Allah declares,

Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills.

This verse emphasizes the all-encompassing knowledge and power of Allah. It reaffirms that our understanding of Him is limited, and we can only know what He allows us to know.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith in the Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that Allah cannot be confined within the limitations of our intellect or mind. Our understanding of Allah is limited, and we must acknowledge and accept this fact. Attempting to confine Allah within our limited understanding can lead to misconceptions and distortions of His true nature.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of humility and submission in our relationship with Allah. We must recognize our limitations and submit to the fact that Allah's knowledge and power are beyond our comprehension. This understanding should instill a sense of awe and reverence within us, deepening our faith and reliance on Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the incomprehensibility and limitless nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We are reminded that Allah cannot be confined within the intellect or the shackles of the mind. Our understanding of Him is limited, and we must approach Him with humility and submission. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize our limitations and the ability to deepen our connection with Him.