Hadith #8691

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Let your riding mount be moderation and your goal be right guidance.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of balance and righteousness in our lives. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their significance.

The word (qasd) "قَصْدَ" refers to moderation or balance. It implies avoiding extremes and finding the middle path in all aspects of life. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 143:

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse highlights the importance of being a just and balanced community, not leaning towards any extreme.

The word (rushd) "رُّشْدَ" means right guidance or righteousness. It signifies following the path of truth and righteousness, seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and following the right path. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to make moderation our riding mount, which means that we should adopt a balanced approach in all aspects of our lives. This includes our actions, beliefs, and interactions with others. Extremism in any form is discouraged in Islam, as it leads to division, intolerance, and injustice. By embracing moderation, we can maintain harmony within ourselves and in our society.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to make right guidance our ultimate goal. This means that we should strive to align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam. Right guidance can only be achieved by seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It requires constant self-reflection, self-correction, and a sincere desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By adopting moderation as our riding mount and seeking right guidance as our goal, we can navigate through the challenges and complexities of life with wisdom and balance. This approach enables us to avoid the pitfalls of extremism, whether it be in religious practices, personal relationships, or societal issues. It promotes unity, understanding, and compassion among Muslims and fosters a harmonious coexistence with people of other faiths.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to embrace moderation and seek right guidance in all aspects of life. It encourages us to find the middle path, avoiding extremes, and to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can strive for a balanced and righteous existence, both individually and collectively. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow this noble advice.