Hadith #986

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the concept of the oneness of Allah (تَوْحِيدِ اللّهِ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deep meaning in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stating,

He is near everything but not attached, far from everything but not separate.

To understand the significance of these words, let us analyze the key terms used in this Hadith.

The term (قَريبٌ) "near" refers to the proximity of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to everything in existence. It signifies His closeness and accessibility to His creation. However, it is important to note that this nearness is not in a physical sense, as Allah is beyond the limitations of time and space. His nearness is a manifestation of His divine knowledge, mercy, and power.

On the other hand, the term (مُلابِس) "attached" implies a sense of dependence or connection. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) clarifies that Allah is near to everything, but He is not attached to anything. This highlights the independence and self-sufficiency of Allah. He does not rely on His creation for His existence or sustenance. Rather, everything in existence depends on Him.

Similarly, the term (بعيدٌ) "far" signifies the distance of Allah from His creation. It emphasizes His transcendence and separation from the limitations of the material world. However, this distance does not imply a lack of concern or disconnection. Allah is far from everything, but He is not separate. He is fully aware of every detail and intimately involved in the affairs of His creation.

To further understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:4),

He is with you wherever you are.

This verse beautifully illustrates the nearness of Allah to His creation. Despite His transcendence, He is present with us at all times, encompassing everything with His knowledge and power.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:103), Allah states,

Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision.

This verse highlights the concept of Allah's transcendence. Our limited senses cannot comprehend His essence, but He encompasses all knowledge and perception. He is far beyond our comprehension, yet He comprehends everything.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several profound lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of recognizing the oneness of Allah and understanding His attributes. He is near to us, always accessible through prayer and supplication. We should seek His guidance and mercy in every aspect of our lives.

Secondly, this Hadith emphasizes the independence and self-sufficiency of Allah. He is not reliant on His creation, but rather, His creation is dependent on Him. This understanding should instill in us a sense of humility and gratitude towards our Creator.

Lastly, this Hadith highlights the transcendence of Allah. While He is near to us, He is also far beyond our comprehension. This should inspire us to constantly seek knowledge and strive to deepen our understanding of His greatness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the concept of the oneness of Allah. It reminds us of His nearness, independence, and transcendence. May we always strive to deepen our understanding of Allah's attributes and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.