Hadith #4946

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 importance of submitting to the command of Allah and His chosen servant. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (submit yourselves) "سَلِّمُوا" in the Hadith refers to complete surrender and obedience to the commandments of Allah and His chosen representative. It implies a state of submission, humility, and acceptance of the divine will. This submission is not merely a passive act, but an active engagement with the teachings of Islam.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of submission in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:208)

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse highlights the need for Muslims to submit to the guidance of Allah and avoid the temptations of Satan.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:20)

O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn away from him while you hear [his order].

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying the commandments of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), which includes following the teachings and guidance of the chosen representatives of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as the chosen representative of Allah, possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings and actions were in complete accordance with the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Therefore, submitting to his commandments is equivalent to submitting to the commandments of Allah.

By submitting to the command of Allah and His chosen servant, Muslims safeguard themselves from going astray. This submission acts as a guiding light, leading them towards the path of righteousness and protecting them from the pitfalls of deviation. It ensures that their actions and decisions are aligned with the divine will, bringing them closer to Allah and attaining His pleasure.

An example of the consequences of submission can be seen in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. His unwavering commitment to the commandments of Allah and his steadfastness in following the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) earned him the title of

The Gate of Knowledge.

His deep understanding of the Quran and his application of its principles in his daily life serve as a testament to the importance of submitting to the command of Allah and His chosen servant.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of submitting ourselves to the command of Allah and His chosen representative. It highlights the importance of obedience, humility, and acceptance of the divine will. By doing so, we protect ourselves from going astray and ensure that our actions are in line with the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all to submit wholeheartedly to His commandments and the teachings of His chosen servants.