Hadith #2930

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities and characteristics that a leader and guide should possess. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that a leader should be truthful to his followers, employ his intellect, and be inclined towards the Hereafter.

Let us examine the important words in this Hadith. The word (ra'id) "رائِدٌ" refers to the leader or guide who is responsible for guiding and leading others. The word (ahlahu) "أهْلَهُ" refers to the followers or those who are under the guidance of the leader. The word (aqlahu) "عَقْلَهُ" refers to the intellect or rationality that a leader should employ in making decisions and providing guidance. The phrase (abna' al-akhirah) "أبْناءِ الآخِرَةِ" refers to those who are inclined towards the Hereafter and prioritize their actions and decisions based on the eternal life.

To understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 119:

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and being in the company of those who are truthful. A leader who is truthful to his followers gains their trust and confidence, enabling him to guide them effectively.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) tells us in Surah Al-Isra, verse 36:

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of employing one's intellect and not making decisions or providing guidance without proper knowledge and understanding. A leader who uses his intellect in guiding his followers ensures that his decisions are based on wisdom and knowledge.

The phrase (abna' al-akhirah) "أبْناءِ الآخِرَةِ" in the Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that the true value lies in the good deeds that we do for the sake of the Hereafter. A leader who is inclined towards the Hereafter ensures that his actions and decisions are guided by the principles of righteousness and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that a leader who possesses these qualities is one who fulfills his responsibilities towards his followers and guides them towards the path of righteousness. Such a leader gains the trust and respect of his followers, and his guidance leads them to success in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that a leader and guide should possess. By being truthful to his followers, employing his intellect, and prioritizing the Hereafter, a leader can effectively guide and lead others towards success and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and be guided by them in our leadership roles.