Hadith #2887

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt, seeking closeness to Allah through them, sincerely loving them, acting upon their teachings, and abstaining from what they have forbidden. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the one who fulfills these qualities is considered to be from the Ahl al-Bayt and will be united with them in the Eternal Abode.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith by examining its key words and concepts. Firstly, the term (our merits) "فَضْلَنا" refers to the virtues, excellences, and unique qualities possessed by the Ahl al-Bayt. These merits are not only recognized by the Shia Muslims but are also acknowledged by Sunni Muslims. The Ahl al-Bayt, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), possess a deep knowledge of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), making them the most qualified individuals to guide the Ummah.

The next important term is (seeks nearness to Allah through us)

تَقَرَّبَ إلَى اللّهِ بِنا

This implies that one should seek closeness to Allah by following the teachings and guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt. The Quran supports this concept in numerous verses, such as in Surah Al-Imran (3:31), where Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a means of attaining closeness to Allah.

The term (sincere in his love for us) "أخْلَصَ حُبَّنا" highlights the necessity of having genuine and sincere love for the Ahl al-Bayt. This love should not be merely superficial or based on personal interests, but rather it should be rooted in recognizing their status and emulating their noble qualities. The Quran emphasizes the significance of sincere love for the Ahl al-Bayt in Surah Al-Shura (42:23), where Allah says,

Say, 'I do not ask you for any payment for this [message], but only [that] whoever wills might take to his Lord a way.'

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions the importance of (acting on that which we have entrusted to him)

عَمِلَ بِما إلَيْهِ نَدَبْنا

This refers to following the teachings, guidance, and instructions of the Ahl al-Bayt. It is not enough to merely acknowledge their merits and love them; one must also implement their teachings in their daily lives. The Quran emphasizes the significance of acting upon the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21), where Allah says,

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.

Lastly, the Hadith highlights the importance of (keeping away from that which we have forbidden)

انْتَهى عَمّا عَنْهُ نَهَيْنا

This implies abstaining from actions and behaviors that have been prohibited by the Ahl al-Bayt. The Quran supports this concept in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7), where Allah says,

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt, seeking closeness to Allah through them, sincerely loving them, acting upon their teachings, and abstaining from what they have forbidden. By fulfilling these qualities, one becomes a part of the Ahl al-Bayt and will be united with them in the Eternal Abode. It is essential for Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, to reflect upon this Hadith and strive to incorporate its teachings into their lives, as it serves as a guidance for attaining spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, and may He unite us with them in the Eternal Abode.