Hadith #9879

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he speaks about the angels, describing them as "captives of faith." Let us delve into the meaning of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (usara) "أُسَرَاءُ" used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to captives or prisoners. Here, it signifies that the angels are bound by their unwavering faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They are completely devoted to their Creator and are steadfast in their obedience to Him. This unwavering commitment to faith is what distinguishes them and keeps them firmly attached to the divine path.

To further understand the concept of angels being captives of faith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah At-Tahrim (66:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.

This verse highlights the obedience and unwavering commitment of the angels to Allah's commands. They never deviate from their duty and fulfill their responsibilities with utmost dedication. They are bound by their faith and remain steadfast in their submission to Allah's will.

The phrase (lam yafukkahum minhu zayghun wala'udul)

لَمْ يَفُكَّهُمْ مِنْهُ زَيْغٌ ولاعُدُولٌ

in the Hadith emphasizes that the angels are not affected by any form of divergence or deviation from their faith. They are immune to any doubts or distractions that may lead others astray. Their unwavering commitment to faith shields them from any form of deviation.

In Surah An-Najm (53:2-4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.

These verses highlight the infallibility and impeccable character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and by extension, the angels. Just as the Prophet (ﷺ) was protected from any deviation in conveying the divine message, the angels too are protected from any form of divergence or deviation in their obedience to Allah.

The significance of this Hadith lies in its reminder to us as Muslims. Just as the angels remain steadfast in their faith, we should strive to emulate their unwavering commitment to Islam. We should be captives of faith, firmly holding onto the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ). We should not allow ourselves to be swayed by doubts, distractions, or deviations from the straight path.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in our lives. It is faith that keeps us connected to Allah and strengthens our relationship with Him. Just as the angels are captives of faith, we too should strive to be captives of faith, allowing it to guide our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the unwavering commitment of the angels to their faith. They are captives of faith, immune to any form of divergence or deviation. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate their example and remain firmly attached to our faith, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and steadfastness to be captives of faith and to remain firmly on the straight path.