Hadith #4684

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the spiritual aspect of prostration, known as "sujudun nafsani". Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is "sujud" which means prostration. It is a physical act of worship where one places their forehead on the ground in submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, in this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to the spiritual aspect of prostration, which goes beyond the physical act.

The term "nafsani" means pertaining to the self or the soul. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that the spiritual prostration involves emptying the heart of love for that which perishes. This means detaching oneself from worldly desires and attachments that distract us from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It requires recognizing the temporary nature of worldly possessions and focusing on the eternal.

To support this understanding, we find in the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the spiritual prostration involves proceeding with firm resolution in endeavoring towards the everlasting. This means directing our efforts and aspirations towards the eternal life in the Hereafter, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteous deeds.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Asr (103:3),

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions removing pride and fanaticism as part of the spiritual prostration. This emphasizes the importance of humility and the rejection of arrogance and prejudice. It requires recognizing that all humans are equal before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that true honor lies in piety and good character, not in worldly status or lineage.

The Quran teaches us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions cutting off worldly ties as part of the spiritual prostration. This means detaching ourselves from excessive attachment to worldly possessions, relationships, and pursuits. It does not imply complete isolation from the world, but rather maintaining a balanced perspective and not allowing worldly matters to consume our hearts and distract us from our ultimate purpose.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions adorning oneself with the etiquettes of the Prophet. This refers to adopting the noble qualities and characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in our thoughts, words, and actions. It involves embodying the values of compassion, honesty, justice, and mercy, among others.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet's example in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21),

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.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the spiritual aspect of prostration, which goes beyond the physical act. It involves emptying the heart of worldly attachments, directing our efforts towards the eternal, removing pride and fanaticism, cutting off excessive worldly ties, and adorning ourselves with the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By practicing this spiritual prostration, we can attain a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive towards spiritual growth and purification. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.