Hadith #1812

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جِوارُ اللّهِ مَبْذُولٌ لِمَنْ أطاعَهُ وتَجَنَّبَ مُخالَفَتَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Proximity to Allah is granted to those who obey Him and keep away from disobedience to Him.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (jiwar) "جِوارُ" in this Hadith refers to being close or in proximity to someone. It signifies a spiritual closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), which is the ultimate goal of every believer. This closeness is not physical, but rather a state of being in harmony with the Divine Will and experiencing a deep connection with the Creator.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this proximity to Allah is (mabdhul) "مَبْذُولٌ", meaning it is granted or bestowed upon those who fulfill certain conditions. These conditions are obedience to Allah and abstaining from disobedience to Him. This implies that true proximity to Allah is not achieved through mere rituals or lip service, but through sincere and consistent obedience to His commands.

The importance of obedience to Allah is emphasized throughout the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran (3:31), Allah says,

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the correlation between love for Allah and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By obeying the Prophet's teachings, we demonstrate our love for Allah and draw closer to Him.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:80), Allah warns against disobedience by saying,

Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah; but those who turn away - We have not sent you over them as a guardian.

This verse emphasizes that obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is equivalent to obeying Allah Himself. Disobedience, on the other hand, distances us from Allah's proximity and protection.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also highlights the importance of avoiding disobedience to Allah. This entails refraining from actions that are prohibited in Islam and staying away from anything that goes against the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we safeguard ourselves from the negative consequences of sin and maintain a pure and righteous state.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah warns,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the need to avoid corruption and disobedience after seeking reformation. It reminds us that Allah's mercy is near to those who strive to do good and avoid evil.

The consequences of obeying Allah and avoiding disobedience are profound. By adhering to the commands of Allah and staying away from sinful acts, we not only attain proximity to Him but also experience His blessings, guidance, and protection. Our hearts become illuminated with faith, and we develop a strong connection with the Divine. This connection brings tranquility, contentment, and a sense of purpose to our lives.

Moreover, when we are in proximity to Allah, our actions and decisions are guided by His wisdom and righteousness. We become conscious of our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, and society. Our behavior reflects the noble qualities of patience, compassion, justice, and forgiveness, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true proximity to Allah is attained through obedience to Him and avoiding disobedience. This proximity is not a physical closeness but a spiritual state of being in harmony with the Divine Will. By obeying Allah's commands and abstaining from sinful acts, we draw closer to Him, experience His blessings, and live a life of righteousness and purpose. May Allah grant us the ability to obey Him and seek His proximity.