Hadith #6000

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah, regardless of the consequences one may face, even if it means being distanced from close relatives. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (wali) "ولي" is translated as "friend" or "guardian," but it carries a much deeper meaning in the context of this Hadith. Here, it refers to the true and sincere friend of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny. The word (ata'a) "أطاع" means "to obey," indicating the importance of following the commands of Allah. And finally, the phrase (in ba'udat luhmatuhu) "إن بعدت لحمته" means

even if his close relatives distance themselves from him,

highlighting the potential consequences one may face for their obedience to Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, even if it means going against the desires of our close relatives. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance should be to Allah and His commands.

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

There has already been for you an excellent pattern in Abraham 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 example of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his companions, who were willing to distance themselves from their own people due to their unwavering faith in Allah. It serves as a reminder that sometimes obedience to Allah may lead to temporary separation from loved ones, but it is a sacrifice worth making for the sake of truth and righteousness.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of obedience to Allah, regardless of the consequences we may face. It reminds us that our loyalty should be to Allah above all else, even if it means being distanced from our close relatives. This does not mean that we should sever ties with our family, but rather that our commitment to Allah should always take precedence.

Secondly, this Hadith highlights the importance of steadfastness in faith. It encourages us to remain firm in our obedience to Allah, even in the face of opposition or isolation. Just as the companions of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood firm in their beliefs, we too should have the courage to uphold our faith and follow the path of righteousness, regardless of the challenges we may encounter.

Lastly, this Hadith serves as a reminder that true friendship and guardianship lie in obedience to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny are the epitome of guidance and righteousness, and those who truly love and follow them are those who prioritize obedience to Allah. This Hadith encourages us to seek the company of those who are steadfast in their faith and who prioritize their relationship with Allah above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of obedience to Allah, even if it means being distanced from close relatives. It teaches us the significance of steadfastness in faith and the true meaning of friendship and guardianship. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to follow the path of righteousness and remain obedient to Him, regardless of the challenges we may face.