Hadith #3975

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 emphasizes the unity and clarity of the codes and ways of religion. He states that the laws and principles of the religion are one, and the paths to righteousness are straight and clear. Those who adhere to these teachings will attain success and prosperity, while those who deviate from them will experience regret and loss.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith to gain a better understanding of its significance. The word (sharā'i) "شَرَايِعَ" refers to the codes or laws of religion. These are the divine legislations that guide and govern the actions and behaviors of Muslims. The word (wāhidah) "وَاحِدَةٌ" emphasizes the unity and oneness of these codes, indicating that they are consistent and harmonious.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then mentions the word (subulah) "سُبُلَهُ", which means ways or paths. These paths represent the various methods and approaches that lead to righteousness and closeness to Allah. The Imam emphasizes that these paths are (qasidah) "قاصِدَةٌ", meaning they are straight and direct. They are not convoluted or confusing, but rather clear and straightforward.

To support this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:153),

And this is My path, which is straight, so follow it. And do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

Here, Allah emphasizes the straightness and clarity of His path, urging us to follow it and not deviate onto other paths. By adhering to His path, we will attain righteousness and success. Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am (6:126), Allah says,

And this is the path of your Lord, [leading] straight. We have detailed the verses for a people who remember.

These verses from the Quran reinforce the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith, highlighting the importance of following the straight path of religion and avoiding deviation. By doing so, we will find guidance, prosperity, and eternal success.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the consequences of adhering to or straying from the codes and ways of religion. He states that the one who follows these teachings will (lahiq wa ghanim) "لَحِقَ وَغَنِمَ", meaning they will arrive at their destination and gain success. This implies that those who adhere to the laws and principles of religion will attain spiritual fulfillment and prosper in both this world and the hereafter.

On the other hand, the one who stands away from these teachings will (dalla wa nadima) "ضَلَّ ونَدِمَ", meaning they will stray from the right path and experience regret. This highlights the consequences of deviating from the straight path of religion. Such individuals will find themselves lost, both in this world and in the hereafter, and will regret their choices.

To further illustrate the significance of this hadith, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who adheres to the principles of honesty, integrity, and kindness, as prescribed by the religion. They are truthful in their dealings, treat others with respect, and fulfill their obligations. As a result, they gain the trust and respect of those around them, and they experience a sense of contentment and peace within themselves.

In contrast, imagine another person who disregards these principles and engages in dishonesty, deceit, and cruelty. They may achieve temporary gains or pleasures, but they will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. They will lose the trust and respect of others, and they will experience inner turmoil and dissatisfaction.

This example highlights the practical implications of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith. By following the straight path of religion, we not only attain success in the hereafter but also experience a fulfilling and prosperous life in this world.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the unity and clarity of the codes and ways of religion. By adhering to these teachings, Muslims will find guidance, success, and prosperity. Conversely, straying from these teachings will lead to regret and loss. It is crucial for Muslims to reflect upon this profound hadith and strive to follow the straight path of religion in all aspects of their lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the right path and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.