Hadith #11266

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 qualities and actions that lead to success in this world and the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (nur al-huda) "نُورِ الهُدى", which translates to

illumination from the lamp of guidance.

This phrase signifies the light of knowledge and guidance that comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It refers to the divine wisdom and enlightenment that enables a person to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.

The second significant phrase is (dawa'i al-hawa) "دَواعِيَ الهَوى", which can be translated as

the calls of vain desire.

It refers to the temptations and inclinations of the ego that lead a person away from the path of righteousness. By opposing these base desires, one demonstrates self-control and discipline, choosing to prioritize the commands of Allah over personal whims and desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then mentions the importance of faith as the equipage for the Hereafter. This highlights the significance of sincere belief and conviction in Allah and His teachings. Faith serves as a guiding force that shapes our actions and decisions, leading us towards righteousness and preparing us for the eternal life to come.

The final phrase in the Hadith is (at-taqwa dhukrah wa zādah) "التَّقْوى ذُخْرَهُ وزادَهُ", which can be translated as

God-wariness as his reserve and provision.

Taqwa, often translated as "God-consciousness" or "piety," refers to being mindful of Allah's presence and striving to avoid anything that displeases Him. It serves as a shield against sin and a means of drawing closer to Allah.

To further understand the profound meanings of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for supporting verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:125):

So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and following His path. It highlights that true success lies in embracing Islam wholeheartedly and allowing the light of guidance to illuminate our hearts and minds.

Another relevant verse can be found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56):

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that ultimate guidance comes from Allah alone. It is He who bestows His guidance upon those who sincerely seek it and strive to follow His commandments. By opposing the calls of vain desire and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we open ourselves to the divine guidance that leads to success.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, success is not measured by worldly achievements or material possessions, but by the illumination of knowledge and guidance from Allah. It is through seeking knowledge and understanding the teachings of Islam that we can navigate the complexities of life and make choices that are pleasing to Allah.

Secondly, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control. By resisting the temptations of our ego and aligning our desires with the will of Allah, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and strengthen our character.

Lastly, the Hadith highlights the significance of faith and God-consciousness in shaping our actions and preparing us for the Hereafter. Faith is not merely a belief, but a driving force that should guide our choices, decisions, and interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek guidance from Allah, resist the calls of vain desire, prioritize faith as the equipage for the Hereafter, and cultivate taqwa as their reserve and provision. By embodying these qualities, we can attain true success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and bless us with success in both realms.