Hadith #2947

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ رَكِبَ غَيْرَ سَفينَتِنا غَرِقَ۔

This powerful statement carries a beautiful message and serves as a metaphorical reminder for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (rakiba) "رَكِبَ" means to board or embark upon something. (ghayra) "غَيْرَ" means other than, indicating something different or separate. (safinatina) "سَفينَتِنَا" refers to our ship, which symbolizes the path of guidance and salvation.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which provides guidance and clarification on various aspects of our faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 103:

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah does make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and holding onto the rope of Allah, which represents the path of guidance. It highlights the dangers of division and the blessings of unity. By boarding the ship of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we ensure our safety from drowning in the turbulent waters of deviation and misguidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and exerting effort in seeking the path of Allah. By adhering to the teachings and guidance of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we align ourselves with the righteous and become recipients of Allah's guidance and support.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. By stating that one who boards other than our ship drowns, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of following the true path of guidance, which is embodied by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Just as a ship provides safety and security amidst the vast ocean, the teachings and guidance of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serve as a means of protection and salvation in the tumultuous journey of life.

By adhering to the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we safeguard ourselves from the dangers of deviation and misguidance. Their knowledge and wisdom, which stems from their deep understanding of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), serve as a guiding light in navigating the challenges and complexities of our time.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Just as one who boards a ship other than the designated one risks drowning, those who deviate from the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expose themselves to the perils of misguidance and spiritual destruction.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to adhere to the teachings and guidance of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we ensure our safety and protection from the treacherous waters of deviation and misguidance. Let us strive to follow the path of Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek their knowledge and wisdom, for it is through their teachings that we attain true guidance and salvation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to stay steadfast on the right path and protect us from straying away.