Hadith #6402

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the qualities of someone whom he praises. The Imam refers to this person as the

unfolder [and clarifier] of the obscure, the guide in vast deserts, and the repeller of complex difficulties.

Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned by Imam Ali is that this person is the

unfolder [and clarifier] of the obscure.

The Arabic word used here is (Fattahul mubhamat) "فَتّاحُ مُبْهَمات", which implies the ability to unravel and elucidate that which is unclear or ambiguous. This individual possesses deep knowledge and insight, enabling them to shed light on complex matters and make them understandable to others.

This quality reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to ponder upon His signs and seek clarification when we come across something that is unclear. In Surah Al-Imran (3:7), Allah says,

He it is Who has sent down to you the Book; in it are verses that are clear, they are the foundation of the Book, and others are ambiguous. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation, they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of seeking clarification and understanding the clear verses of the Quran, while being cautious about the ambiguous ones.

The second quality mentioned by Imam Ali is that this person is the

guide in vast deserts.

The Arabic phrase used here is (Dalilu falawat) "دَلِيلُ فَلَوات", which refers to someone who provides guidance and direction in difficult and challenging situations. This person possesses the ability to navigate through the vast and treacherous terrains of life, leading others towards the right path.

In the Quran, Allah describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a guide for humanity. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107), Allah says,

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

The Prophet (ﷺ) was sent as a guide to lead humanity out of darkness and into the light of Islam. Similarly, this individual praised by Imam Ali possesses the qualities of guidance and leadership, helping others find their way through the challenges and complexities of life.

The third quality mentioned by Imam Ali is that this person is the

repeller of complex difficulties.

The Arabic phrase used here is (Dafa'u mu'dhilat) "دَفّاعُ مُعْضِلات", which implies the ability to repel and overcome complex problems and obstacles. This person has the wisdom and knowledge to find solutions to intricate and perplexing issues, providing relief and ease to those facing difficulties.

In the Quran, Allah assures us that He will never burden a soul with more than it can bear. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

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

This verse reminds us that even in the face of complex difficulties, Allah has equipped us with the capacity to overcome them. The individual praised by Imam Ali possesses the ability to tap into this inner strength and find solutions to complex problems, providing hope and relief to those in need.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities of someone whom he praises. This individual is described as the

unfolder [and clarifier] of the obscure, the guide in vast deserts, and the repeller of complex difficulties.

Through their deep knowledge, guidance, and problem-solving abilities, they bring clarity, direction, and relief to those around them. As Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge, seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ), and develop the skills necessary to navigate through the challenges of life. May Allah grant us the ability to be like the person praised by Imam Ali, and may He guide us on the straight path.