Hadith #8635

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنِ اتِّخَذَ قَوْلَ اللّهِ دَلِيلاً هُدِيَ إلَى الَّتي هِيَ أقْوَمُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who takes the word of Allah as a guide is directed to that which is most upright.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (itakhadha) "اتِّخَذَ" means to adopt, take, or make something as a guide or reference point. In this context, it refers to the act of embracing the words of Allah as a guiding principle in one's life. The word (qawl) "قَوْلَ" refers to the speech or word of Allah, which encompasses the Quran and the divine revelations. (dalilan) "دَلِيلاً" means a guide or a source of guidance. And finally, (hudiya) "هُدِيَ" means to be directed or guided towards a certain path or course of action. (ila allati hiya aqwam)

إلَى الَّتي هِيَ أقْوَمُ

translates to

to that which is most upright.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am, Ayah 153,

And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it. And do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of following the straight path, which is the path of Allah, and not deviating from it. It is through adhering to the word of Allah that we can attain righteousness and guidance.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Qasas, Ayah 56, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is His words that serve as the ultimate guide for humanity. By embracing the word of Allah, we align ourselves with His guidance and attain the utmost righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the importance of taking the word of Allah as our guide. When we make the Quran our reference point and adhere to its teachings, we are directed towards that which is most upright. The Quran is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of life, providing us with guidance on matters of faith, morality, ethics, and social interactions.

By following the word of Allah, we are protected from the pitfalls of deviation and falsehood. We are guided towards righteousness, which encompasses justice, compassion, honesty, and all other noble qualities. The guidance of Allah's word shapes our thoughts, actions, and decisions, leading us to a path that is pleasing to Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize the teachings of the Quran in their lives. It urges us to seek guidance from the word of Allah and to align our actions with His commandments. By doing so, we not only attain personal righteousness but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to make the word of Allah our constant guide. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to understand and implement His guidance in our lives. May we be steadfast in following the straight path and may our actions be in accordance with that which is most upright.