Hadith #2959

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significant role and status of the Ahl al-Bayt as the callers to truth, the leaders of creation, and the speakers of truth. Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the important words in this Hadith. The word (du'at) "دُعاةُ" refers to the callers or inviters, those who invite others towards a particular cause or belief. In this context, it refers to the Ahl al-Bayt who invite people towards the truth and righteousness. The word (aimmah) "أئِمَّةُ" means leaders or guides, indicating the position of the Ahl al-Bayt as the leaders of creation. Lastly, the phrase (al-sinat al-sidq) "السِّنَةُ الصِّدْقِ" translates to the speakers of truth, emphasizing the authenticity and truthfulness of their words.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:104),

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of inviting others towards goodness and righteousness, which aligns with the role of the Ahl al-Bayt as the callers to truth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:41), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.

This verse highlights the responsibility of leaders to establish prayer, give charity, and enjoin what is right while forbidding what is wrong. The Ahl al-Bayt, as the leaders of creation, fulfill this role by guiding people towards righteousness and deterring them from evil.

The consequences of obeying or disobeying the Ahl al-Bayt are also mentioned in the Hadith. It states,

He who obeys us acquires [success] and he who disobeys us is destroyed.

This echoes the Quranic teachings. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the guidance and support of the Ahl al-Bayt, as they possess the knowledge and authority to lead us towards success and salvation.

On the other hand, those who disobey the Ahl al-Bayt are destined for destruction. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

This verse highlights the consequences of rejecting the guidance of the chosen leaders, as it leads to animosity and separation from the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the pivotal role of the Ahl al-Bayt as the callers to truth, the leaders of creation, and the speakers of truth. By obeying them, we acquire success and guidance, while disobedience leads to destruction. The Quranic verses mentioned further reinforce the importance of following the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt and the consequences of deviating from their path. As Muslims, we should strive to seek their guidance and adhere to their teachings in order to attain success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and follow the true leaders of Islam.