Hadith #963

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he provides us with a deep insight into the attributes and qualities of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating that everyone who is called 'one' other than Allah is little. This refers to the fact that Allah is the only One who possesses absolute and perfect unity. He is the One who is free from any partners or associates. In the Quran, Allah emphasizes His oneness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4), Allah says,

Say, 'He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'

Furthermore, the Hadith states that every honored one other than Allah is inferior. This highlights the fact that true honor and nobility can only be attributed to Allah alone. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:61), Allah says,

That is because Allah is the Truth, and that what they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.

The Hadith also mentions that every strong one other than Allah is weak. This emphasizes the incomparable strength and power of Allah. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:74), Allah says,

They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

Moreover, the Hadith states that every master other than Allah is a slave. This highlights the fact that all dominion and ownership ultimately belongs to Allah alone. In Surah Al-Mulk (67:1), Allah says,

Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions that every knower other than Allah is a learner. This emphasizes the infinite knowledge and wisdom of Allah. In Surah Al-An'am (6:59), Allah says,

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

Lastly, the Hadith states that every capable one other than Allah is sometimes able and other times unable. This highlights the fact that all power and ability ultimately rests with Allah alone. In Surah Al-Qamar (54:49), Allah says,

Indeed, all things We created with predestination.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It reminds us of the absolute and unparalleled attributes of Allah, which are highlighted throughout the Quran. It teaches us to recognize and acknowledge the greatness and uniqueness of Allah in all aspects of our lives. It also serves as a reminder to seek knowledge and wisdom from Allah, as He is the ultimate source of all knowledge.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of our own limitations and weaknesses as human beings. We are reminded to humble ourselves before Allah and to recognize His absolute sovereignty and power. It is through this recognition and submission to Allah that we can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to reflect upon the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He guide us to the straight path and enable us to worship Him with sincerity and devotion. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.