Hadith #8639

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the Qur'an and its multifaceted role in the life of a believer. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith, exploring its words and their meanings in light of the Qur'an.

The Imam begins by stating that the Qur'an is a "light" for those who seek illumination through it. The word used here is (نُورٌ) "nur", which signifies light. The Qur'an serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path of those who sincerely seek knowledge and guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms this in Surah Al-An'am, verse 122:

Is he who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?

The Qur'an enlightens our hearts, minds, and souls, showing us the way to righteousness and leading us out of darkness.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the Qur'an as a "witness" for those who dispute with it. The word used here is (شاهِدٌ) "shahid", which means witness. The Qur'an bears witness to the truth and serves as an undeniable testimony in any argument or debate. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 1:

Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a warner.

The Qur'an is a criterion that distinguishes truth from falsehood, providing evidence and support to those who seek to establish the truth.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the Qur'an as a "success" for those who argue by it. The word used here is (فَلَجٌ) "falaj", which means success or triumph. The Qur'an is a source of success for those who engage in intellectual and spiritual debates, as it provides them with the necessary knowledge, wisdom, and guidance to effectively present their arguments. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms this in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 24:

Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], 'Produce your proof. This [Qur'an] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me.' But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the Qur'an as "knowledge" for those who are attentive to it. The word used here is (عِلْمٌ) "ilm", which signifies knowledge. The Qur'an is a vast ocean of knowledge, encompassing various fields of study, including theology, ethics, law, and science. It is a source of enlightenment and intellectual growth for those who approach it with sincerity and open hearts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9:

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the Qur'an as a "judgment" for those who judge by it. The word used here is (حُكْمٌ) "hukm", which means judgment or ruling. The Qur'an is the ultimate source of guidance and legislation, providing comprehensive and just rulings for all aspects of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 48:

And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the multifaceted role of the Qur'an in the life of a believer. It serves as a guiding light, a witness, a source of success, knowledge, and judgment. As Muslims, we should strive to seek illumination, guidance, and wisdom from the Qur'an, and utilize it as a criterion in our debates and judgments. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand, appreciate, and implement the teachings of the Qur'an in our lives.