Hadith #5986

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Obey the one who is above you and the one who is under you will obey you; rectify your inner self and Allah will rectify your outer state.

This enlightening saying holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first analyze the important words in this Hadith. The word (obey) "أطِعْ" emphasizes the importance of following the commands and guidance of those in positions of authority. The word (above you) "فَوْقَكَ" refers to those who hold higher positions of authority, whether it be in society, family, or any other aspect of life. Conversely, the phrase (under you) "مَنْ دُونَكَ" refers to those who are subordinate to you, who look up to you for guidance and leadership.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to obey those who are above us, as this obedience leads to a harmonious relationship with those who are under us. By fulfilling our responsibilities towards those in authority, we set an example for others to follow. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:59),

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to rectify our inner selves, our character, and our intentions. This internal rectification is crucial, as it directly impacts our outward state and actions. When we purify our hearts and intentions, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) blesses us with righteousness and success in our worldly affairs. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

By rectifying our inner selves, we cultivate qualities such as honesty, humility, patience, and compassion. These qualities not only benefit us individually but also positively influence our interactions with others. When we strive to embody the teachings of Islam in our daily lives, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for those around us. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Qasas (28:54),

Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.

The consequences of following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice are profound. When we obey those in authority and rectify our inner selves, we create a harmonious society where everyone fulfills their responsibilities and respects one another. This leads to a balanced and just community, where individuals work together towards the betterment of society. Moreover, when we rectify our inner selves, we attain the pleasure and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our actions become aligned with the teachings of Islam, and we become a means of spreading goodness and righteousness in the world.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and self-improvement in our journey towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that true leadership is not based on power and authority alone, but on the ability to inspire and guide others through righteous actions and character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to obey those in authority, rectify our inner selves, and become a source of guidance and inspiration for others.