Hadith #8887

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities that make a person resemble the Prophets of Allah. He states that those who speak the truth the most and are most patient in acting upon it are the ones who bear the closest resemblance to the Prophets.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (ashbah) "أشْبَهُ" means "resemble" or "be similar to." It signifies that there are certain qualities and characteristics that can make a person resemble the Prophets of Allah. The word (anbiya') "أنْبِياءِ" means "Prophets," referring to the chosen messengers of Allah who were sent to guide humanity. The word (aqwaluhum) "أقْوَلُهُمْ" means "their words" or "their speech," indicating that speaking the truth is a significant aspect of resembling the Prophets. The word (asbaru) "أصْبَرُهُمْ" means "their patience" or "their perseverance," emphasizing the importance of patience in acting upon the truth.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:157),

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of following the Messenger of Allah and adhering to the truth. The Prophets were chosen by Allah to guide humanity, and their words and actions were in complete alignment with the truth. Therefore, those who resemble the Prophets are the ones who also speak the truth and act upon it.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), where Allah says,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of both truth and patience in the path of righteousness. It is not enough to merely speak the truth; one must also have the patience and perseverance to act upon it consistently.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of speaking the truth and acting upon it. He exemplified these qualities throughout his life, whether it was during his caliphate or in his personal interactions. His unwavering commitment to the truth and his patience in the face of adversity made him a shining example for all Muslims.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. By speaking the truth and acting upon it, we not only align ourselves with the Prophets of Allah but also become beacons of guidance for others. Our words and actions become a means of spreading truth and righteousness in society. Furthermore, by cultivating patience and perseverance, we develop the strength to overcome challenges and remain steadfast on the path of truth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of sincerity and consistency in our words and actions. We should strive to be people of truth, always speaking with honesty and integrity. Additionally, we should cultivate patience and perseverance, especially when faced with difficulties or temptations that may lead us astray from the path of truth.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to embody the qualities that resemble the Prophets of Allah. By speaking the truth and acting upon it with patience and perseverance, we not only draw closer to the Prophets but also become beacons of guidance for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and follow in the footsteps of the righteous.