Hadith #3150

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

نِعمَ الطَّاعَةُ الأنْقيادُ، والخُضوعُ۔

This can be translated as,

The best form of obedience is submission and humility.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (ta'ah) "طَاعَةُ" refers to obedience, compliance, or submission. It signifies following the commands and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His chosen representatives. (inqiyad) "أنْقِيَادُ" means surrender or submission, indicating a complete and unwavering commitment to obeying the commands of Allah and His appointed leaders. (khudo) "خُضُوعُ" refers to humility, submissiveness, and surrendering oneself to the will of Allah.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208),

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 emphasizes the importance of complete submission to the will of Allah, without any hesitation or compromise. It urges us to surrender ourselves entirely to the path of righteousness and avoid the temptations and distractions of Satan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

So do they seek other than the religion of Allah while to Him submitted all those within the heavens and earth, willingly or by compulsion, and to Him they will be returned?

This verse highlights that everything in the heavens and the earth submits to the will of Allah, willingly or by compulsion. It reminds us that true obedience lies in willingly surrendering ourselves to the commands of Allah, just as all of creation does.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best form of obedience is one that encompasses both submission and humility. This means that true obedience is not merely following the external actions, but also having a humble and submissive heart. It is about recognizing our own insignificance in front of the greatness of Allah and acknowledging that His commands are the ultimate truth.

When we submit ourselves completely to the will of Allah, we align our actions, thoughts, and desires with His guidance. We let go of our ego, pride, and personal desires, and instead prioritize what pleases Allah. This submission leads to a sense of tranquility and peace within ourselves, as we trust in the wisdom and mercy of Allah.

Moreover, this form of obedience has profound consequences in our lives. It strengthens our relationship with Allah, as we become closer to Him through our submission and humility. It also fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community, as we all strive to submit to the same divine guidance. Additionally, it helps us overcome the challenges and temptations of this world, as we rely on the guidance of Allah to navigate through life's trials.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to embody the qualities of submission and humility in our daily lives. We should seek to align our actions, thoughts, and intentions with the commands of Allah and His chosen representatives. By doing so, we can attain true obedience and experience the blessings and rewards that come with it.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to submit ourselves completely to His will and to embody the qualities of humility and obedience. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.