Hadith #6016

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إنَّكَ إنْ أطَعْتَ اللّهَ نَجّاكَ وأصْلَحَ مَثْواكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Verily if you obey Allah, He will save you and make your [final] abode good.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (obey) "أطَعْتَ" in this Hadith refers to complete submission and compliance to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses not only following the obligatory acts of worship but also adhering to the principles and values prescribed by Islam. This obedience is not merely a superficial act but rather a sincere and wholehearted devotion to Allah's will.

The Hadith emphasizes that by obeying Allah, one will be saved from the perils and tribulations of this world and the hereafter. This salvation encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects. It implies protection from harm, calamities, and the consequences of sinful actions. It also encompasses the ultimate salvation in the hereafter, where believers will be granted eternal bliss and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (make your [final] abode good) "وأصْلَحَ مَثْواكَ" highlights the importance of striving for righteousness and seeking rectification in one's actions and intentions. It implies that by obeying Allah, one's final destination, which is the hereafter, will be a place of tranquility, happiness, and eternal bliss. This includes the attainment of Paradise and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:112),

Indeed, those who submit themselves completely to Allah and do good, they will have their reward with their Lord. They will have no fear, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the correlation between obedience to Allah and the attainment of rewards and protection from fear and grief.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nahl (16:97), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse reinforces the idea that obedience to Allah leads to a good and fulfilling life in this world and the promise of a great reward in the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize obedience to Allah in all aspects of their lives. It highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with the teachings of Islam and seeking rectification and improvement in all endeavors.

By obeying Allah, Muslims can experience the blessings and protection of Allah in this world and secure a righteous and blissful abode in the Hereafter. This obedience entails following the Quranic injunctions, adhering to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and emulating the noble character and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the other infallible Imams.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of obedience to Allah and its profound impact on the salvation and ultimate abode of a believer. It serves as a guiding principle for Muslims to strive for righteousness, seek rectification, and align their actions with the divine will. May Allah grant us the ability to obey Him wholeheartedly and attain His mercy and blessings in this world and the Hereafter.