Hadith #300

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the wisdom and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in making acts of obedience a means of attaining success and reward. The key words in this Hadith are (obedience) "طَاعَة", (opportunity) "غَنِيمَة", and (falling short) "تَفْرِيط".

The word (obedience) "طَاعَة" refers to the acts of worship and submission to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all forms of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and acts of kindness. Obedience to Allah is a fundamental aspect of faith and a means of drawing closer to Him.

The word (opportunity) "غَنِيمَة" refers to a chance or a blessing given by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In this context, it refers to the disabled or those who are physically unable to perform certain acts of obedience. Despite their limitations, Allah has bestowed upon them the opportunity to earn rewards through the actions of the intelligent.

The word (falling short) "تَفْرِيط" refers to the inability or failure to fully carry out acts of obedience due to physical or other limitations. It is a recognition of the challenges faced by those who are disabled or unable to perform certain acts of worship. However, this Hadith emphasizes that even in their inability, there is still an opportunity for them to earn rewards through the actions of the intelligent.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah is aware of our capabilities and limitations. He does not expect more from us than what we are capable of. Therefore, for those who are disabled or unable to perform certain acts of obedience, Allah has provided an alternative means of earning rewards through the actions of the intelligent.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah says:

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him.

This verse emphasizes the importance of exerting effort and striving in the path of Allah. It is not the physical ability alone that determines the value of our actions, but rather the sincerity and effort we put into them. Therefore, even if someone is unable to physically perform acts of obedience, they can still strive and exert effort in other ways, such as supplication, seeking knowledge, or supporting those who are able.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of this opportunity given by Allah to the intelligent. It is a chance for them to perform acts of obedience on behalf of those who are unable, and in doing so, they earn the rewards not only for themselves but also for those who are physically limited. This Hadith encourages us to be grateful for our abilities and to utilize them to the best of our abilities, while also recognizing and supporting those who are disabled or unable to perform certain acts of worship.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us about the wisdom and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in providing opportunities for earning rewards even in the face of physical limitations. It reminds us to be grateful for our abilities and to strive in the path of Allah, while also recognizing and supporting those who are unable to perform certain acts of obedience. May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to fulfill our obligations and to support one another in our journey towards Him.