Hadith #11270

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, "لِيَكُنْ شِعارُكَ الهُدى۔" which translates to

Let your garment be true guidance.

This impactful saying holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.

The word (shi'aaruka) "شِعارُكَ" in this Hadith refers to one's garment or banner. It symbolizes something that is visible and represents a person's identity or values. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to make true guidance the emblem of our identity, the core principle that defines us.

To understand the significance of this advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 256,

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the path of true guidance, which is Islam. It highlights the freedom of choice that Allah has granted us and encourages us to hold onto the most trustworthy handhold, which is the religion of Islam. By making true guidance our emblem, we align ourselves with the divine path and adhere to the principles of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of this guidance by using the word (al-hudaa) "الهُدى", which means true guidance. This implies that there are various forms of guidance, but only true guidance leads to righteousness and success. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 120, Allah says,

Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you until you follow their religion. Say, 'Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.' If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of Allah, as it is the only true guidance. It warns against following the desires and beliefs of others, as they can lead us astray from the straight path. By making true guidance our emblem, we safeguard ourselves from the influence of false ideologies and stay firmly rooted in the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to let our garment be true guidance, meaning that our actions, choices, and beliefs should reflect the principles of Islam. Just as a garment covers and protects our physical body, true guidance should envelop and safeguard our spiritual and moral selves.

By embodying true guidance, we become beacons of light and sources of inspiration for others. Our actions and conduct become a reflection of the teachings of Islam, attracting others towards the path of righteousness. This Hadith encourages us to be conscious of our actions and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "لِيَكُنْ شِعارُكَ الهُدى۔" advises us to make true guidance our emblem, to let it be the defining characteristic of our identity. By aligning ourselves with the principles of Islam and adhering to the guidance of Allah, we become beacons of light and sources of inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to live by this profound advice.