Hadith #6062

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاطاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوق في مَعْصِيَةِ الخالِقِ۔

This powerful statement emphasizes the principle that there is no obedience to any creation if it entails disobedience to the Creator. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (la ta'ata) "لاطاعَةَ" means "no obedience" or "no submission." It implies that one should not comply or follow the commands or desires of any creation if it contradicts the commands of the Creator. This highlights the importance of prioritizing Allah's commands over the expectations or demands of others.

The term (makhluq) "مَخْلُوق" refers to the creation, encompassing all beings other than Allah. It includes humans, angels, animals, and everything that exists in the universe. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that no matter who the creation may be, their commands or desires should not be followed if they contradict the commands of the Creator.

The phrase (fi ma'siyatil khaliq) "في مَعْصِيَةِ الخالِقِ" means

in disobedience to the Creator.

It highlights the specific context in which obedience to the creation is prohibited. If obeying someone or something involves going against the commands of Allah, it is considered disobedience to the Creator. This Hadith reminds us that our ultimate loyalty and obedience should be towards Allah alone.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208):

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of entering into peace completely, which means submitting to Allah's commands wholeheartedly. It warns against following the footsteps of Satan, who is the ultimate symbol of disobedience to Allah. By obeying the creation in disobedience to the Creator, we are inadvertently following the footsteps of Satan and aligning ourselves with his path.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:121):

Do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience.

This verse highlights the importance of not consuming anything upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned. It signifies that even in matters as mundane as eating, we should be conscious of Allah's commands. If we were to obey the creation in this regard and consume what is forbidden by Allah, it would be a grave act of disobedience.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize obedience to Allah above all else. It teaches us that no matter who the creation may be, their commands or desires should never take precedence over the commands of the Creator. This principle applies to all aspects of life, whether it be personal relationships, societal expectations, or cultural norms.

By adhering to this principle, we safeguard ourselves from falling into the trap of blindly following the desires and whims of others. It encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding of Allah's commands, so that we may make informed decisions and align our actions with His will. This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who possessed deep insight into the importance of obedience to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator. It urges us to prioritize Allah's commands above all else and serves as a powerful reminder to always seek His pleasure in our actions. May Allah guide us to follow this principle and grant us the strength to resist any form of disobedience to Him.