Hadith #11016

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sincerity and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in one's actions and intentions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (ansah) "أنصح" in Arabic means to advise or admonish oneself. It implies self-reflection, self-correction, and self-improvement. The most sincere individuals are those who constantly evaluate their own actions and strive to rectify their shortcomings. This self-admonishment is not driven by arrogance or self-righteousness, but rather by a genuine desire to please Allah and attain His pleasure.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse encourages believers to constantly evaluate their actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wa atwahu la rabbih) "وأطوعهم لربه". The word (atwah) "أطوع" comes from the root word (ta'ah) "طاعة", which means obedience and submission. It signifies complete surrender to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His commands. The most submissive individuals are those who willingly submit themselves to the guidance of their Lord, recognizing His authority and wisdom.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208), Allah says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse urges Muslims to submit themselves entirely to the teachings of Islam, avoiding the temptations and influences of Satan.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly engage in self-reflection and self-improvement. By sincerely advising and admonishing ourselves, we can identify our weaknesses and work towards rectifying them. This self-accountability leads to personal growth and spiritual development.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we submit ourselves to the will of our Lord, we align our actions and intentions with His divine guidance. This submission is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of our trust and reliance on Allah's wisdom and mercy.

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are profound. By constantly advising ourselves and being submissive to Allah, we develop a strong sense of self-awareness and humility. This self-reflection allows us to recognize our flaws and seek forgiveness from Allah, leading to spiritual growth and closeness to Him.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their relationship with Allah over any worldly desires or distractions. When we sincerely advise ourselves and submit to our Lord, we detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits that often lead us astray. This enables us to focus on our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection, self-improvement, and complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By sincerely advising ourselves and being submissive to our Lord, we can attain sincerity in our actions, seek His pleasure, and ultimately strive towards spiritual growth and closeness to Him. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and continuously strive for self-improvement.