Hadith #3984

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not grant the true understanding and practice of religion to just anyone. Rather, it is exclusively bestowed upon His chosen ones and the elite from among His creation. This Hadith highlights the importance of being among the select few who are truly devoted to Allah and strive for excellence in their faith.

To better understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and phrases:

1. (اللّهَ) "Allah": This is the Arabic name for the one and only God, the Creator of the universe. Allah is the ultimate source of all knowledge, wisdom, and guidance.

2. (لا يُعْطِي) "Does not give": This phrase signifies that Allah does not grant the true understanding and practice of religion to just anyone. It implies that the knowledge of religion is a divine gift that is bestowed upon those who are deserving and sincere in their pursuit of truth.

3. (الدِّينَ) "Religion": In this context, "religion" refers to the comprehensive system of beliefs, practices, and values that guide individuals in their relationship with Allah and their fellow human beings. It encompasses all aspects of life, including worship, ethics, and social interactions.

4. (خاصَّتِهِ) "Chosen ones": This term refers to those individuals who have been specially selected by Allah due to their exceptional qualities, devotion, and righteousness. They are the ones who have been granted a deep understanding of the true essence of religion and are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding others.

5. (صَفْوَتِهِ) "Elite": This word denotes the select few who have been distinguished by Allah for their excellence and superiority in faith. They are the ones who have reached the highest levels of spiritual enlightenment and have a profound connection with Allah.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:83):

That was Our argument which We gave to Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.

This verse highlights that Allah, in His wisdom and knowledge, chooses and elevates individuals according to His divine plan. He raises them in ranks and grants them deeper understanding and insight into the religion. This is a testament to the fact that the knowledge of religion is not acquired solely through human effort, but rather through the divine favor and selection of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:68), Allah says:

Your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allah and high above what they associate with Him.

This verse emphasizes that the power of choice and selection lies solely with Allah. He chooses whom He wills for His divine purposes and grants them the knowledge and understanding of the religion. It is a reminder for us to recognize and appreciate the divine wisdom behind Allah's selection of His chosen ones and the elite from among His creation.

The wise message of this Hadith is that true knowledge and understanding of the religion are not attainable by mere human effort or intellectual prowess. It is a divine gift that is bestowed upon those who sincerely seek it and strive to purify their hearts and souls. The chosen ones and the elite are those who have dedicated themselves to the path of righteousness, constantly seeking to please Allah and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for excellence in their faith, to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and to emulate the qualities of the chosen ones and the elite. It encourages us to purify our intentions and actions, and to constantly strive for a deeper understanding of the religion. By doing so, we can hope to be among those who are granted the true understanding and practice of the religion by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to be among His chosen ones and the elite.