Hadith #10900

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 highlights three important qualities that lead to the mercy of Allah. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is

refraining from the forbidden

or "tawarra'a 'ani al-maharim". This refers to abstaining from any actions or behaviors that have been prohibited by Allah. It encompasses both major sins and minor sins. The Quran emphasizes the importance of avoiding the forbidden in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the significance of refraining from immoral acts, which includes avoiding adultery, fornication, and other forms of sexual misconduct.

The second quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "bearing the liabilities" or "tahammala al-magharim". This refers to taking on the burdens and responsibilities of others, particularly in times of need. It encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. The Quran encourages believers to bear the burdens of their fellow Muslims and support them in times of difficulty. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah does not place a burden on us that is beyond our capacity, and it encourages us to help one another in times of hardship.

The third quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is

vying in hastening towards the abundant prizes

or

nafasa fi mubadara jazeel al-maghanim

This refers to competing and striving in the pursuit of good deeds and rewards in the Hereafter. It encourages believers to be proactive and diligent in their worship and righteous actions. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of hastening towards good deeds and competing in righteousness. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61), Allah says,

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse urges us to hasten towards seeking forgiveness from Allah and striving for Paradise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) combines these three qualities in this Hadith to highlight the path to attaining the mercy of Allah. By refraining from the forbidden, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah's commands and protect ourselves from the consequences of sin. By bearing the liabilities of others, we display compassion and empathy, fulfilling the rights of our fellow Muslims. And by vying in hastening towards the abundant prizes of the Hereafter, we strive to earn the pleasure and rewards of Allah.

The motivation behind these qualities lies in our love for Allah and our desire to attain His mercy. When we refrain from the forbidden, bear the burdens of others, and compete in good deeds, we are aligning ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). These actions have far-reaching consequences, both in this world and the Hereafter. They purify our souls, strengthen our relationships with others, and ultimately lead us closer to Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying these qualities in our daily lives as Muslims. We should strive to avoid the forbidden, not only in our actions but also in our thoughts and intentions. We should be willing to support and help others, especially those in need, without expecting anything in return. And we should be proactive in our worship and righteous actions, constantly seeking to improve ourselves and earn the mercy of Allah.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of refraining from the forbidden, bearing the liabilities of others, and vying in hastening towards the abundant prizes of the Hereafter. By practicing these qualities, we can hope to attain the mercy of Allah and strive towards a life of righteousness and piety. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these qualities and earn His mercy.