Hadith #6034

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and highlights the effort and dedication required to attain it. Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ta'at) "طاعَةُ", which translates to "obedience." Obedience to Allah is a fundamental aspect of our faith as Muslims. It entails submitting to His commands, following His guidance, and striving to please Him in all aspects of our lives. The word "طاعَةُ" signifies a voluntary act of submission and devotion to Allah, driven by love and reverence for Him.

The next significant word is (badhala) "بَذَلَ", which means "to strive" or

to make an effort.

This word emphasizes the active role that a believer must play in seeking obedience to Allah. It implies a continuous and dedicated effort to overcome challenges, temptations, and distractions that may hinder one's path towards obedience. This striving requires sincerity, determination, and perseverance.

The third important word is (istafraġa) "اسْتَفْرَغَ", which can be translated as

to spare no effort

or

to devote oneself entirely.

This word highlights the level of commitment and dedication required in the pursuit of obedience to Allah. It signifies giving one's full attention, time, and energy to the cause of seeking Allah's pleasure. It implies prioritizing obedience over worldly distractions and wholeheartedly dedicating oneself to the path of righteousness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:200):

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse emphasizes the need for perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness in our obedience to Allah. It reminds us that success in attaining Allah's pleasure requires continuous effort and dedication.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone.'

This verse highlights the unwavering commitment of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his companions to the obedience of Allah. They spared no effort in upholding the truth and dissociating themselves from falsehood, even if it meant facing animosity and hatred from their people.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we understand that obedience to Allah is not a passive act but requires active engagement and dedication. It demands continuous striving, perseverance, and the willingness to sacrifice worldly desires and distractions. Just as the companions of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated unwavering commitment, we too must strive to emulate their example.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true obedience to Allah is not easily attained. It requires sincere effort, dedication, and the willingness to spare no effort in seeking His pleasure. By reflecting on the meanings of this Hadith and drawing inspiration from the Quranic verses, we can strive to become better Muslims, continuously seeking Allah's pleasure and striving for excellence in our obedience to Him. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to be among those who strive and spare no effort in attaining His obedience.