Hadith #4847

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 crucial role of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in attaining true happiness and felicity, while disobedience leads to misery and wretchedness. Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sa'adah) "سعادة" in Arabic refers to true happiness, contentment, and felicity. It is a state of inner peace and tranquility that can only be achieved through the obedience and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This obedience encompasses all aspects of life, including fulfilling the obligations prescribed by Allah and refraining from what He has prohibited.

The word (shaqawah) "شقاوة" in Arabic refers to wretchedness, misery, and unhappiness. It is a state of inner turmoil and dissatisfaction that arises from disobedience to Allah's commands. When a person turns away from the path of righteousness and indulges in sinful actions, they distance themselves from the mercy and guidance of Allah, thus leading to a state of despair and unhappiness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus (10:62-63):

No doubt! Verily, the Awliya' of Allah [i.e., those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Those who believed and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds).

These verses highlight that true happiness and protection from fear and grief are reserved for those who believe in Allah and fear Him by obeying His commands. Their obedience to Allah brings them closer to Him, and as a result, they are granted tranquility and contentment in this life and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes that those who combine faith with righteous actions, including prayer and charity, will be rewarded by Allah and protected from fear and grief. Their obedience to Allah's commands is a source of solace and happiness, shielding them from the hardships and sorrows of this world.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that obedience to Allah is not merely a set of rituals but a comprehensive way of life. It encompasses fulfilling our obligations towards Allah, such as performing the obligatory acts of worship, and also extends to fulfilling our responsibilities towards others, such as being just, kind, and compassionate.

When we strive to obey Allah in all aspects of our lives, we align ourselves with His divine guidance and wisdom. This alignment brings us closer to Him and allows us to experience the serenity and happiness that come from living in accordance with His will. Conversely, when we disobey Allah and indulge in sinful actions, we distance ourselves from His mercy and guidance, leading to a state of inner turmoil and unhappiness.

The consequences of obedience and disobedience to Allah are not limited to this worldly life. They extend to the hereafter, where the righteous will be rewarded with eternal bliss in Paradise, while the disobedient will face the consequences of their actions. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to strive for obedience to Allah, seeking His pleasure and avoiding actions that lead to wretchedness and misery.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of obedience to Allah in attaining true happiness and avoiding wretchedness. It urges us to reflect on our actions and strive to align ourselves with the divine guidance provided in the Quran. May Allah guide us all on the path of obedience and grant us true felicity in this life and the hereafter.