Hadith #9304

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the attributes and actions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith, exploring its deep meanings and reflecting on its implications.

Firstly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands His servants by choice and forbids them by warning. This highlights the wisdom and mercy of Allah in guiding His creation. He does not force obedience upon His servants, but rather gives them the freedom to choose. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256) where Allah says,

There is no compulsion in religion.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has made duties easy and has not imposed difficult burdens upon His servants. This echoes the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78) where Allah says,

He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows the capabilities and limitations of His creation and has ordained obligations that are within their capacity.

The hadith also highlights the generosity of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by stating that He gives plenty even for a little. This reminds us of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261) where Allah says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills.

This serves as a motivation for Muslims to be generous and to trust in the abundant blessings of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that Allah is not disobeyed out of defeat nor is He obeyed by force. This highlights the voluntary nature of worship and obedience. True obedience to Allah comes from a sincere and willing heart, not from coercion or fear. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Insan (76:29) where Allah says,

Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.

The hadith also emphasizes that Allah did not send prophets for sport or reveal the Book for amusement. This highlights the seriousness and purpose behind the sending of prophets and the revelation of divine scriptures. Prophets were chosen by Allah to guide humanity and bring them closer to Him. The Quranic verse in Surah Yunus (10:47) states,

Every nation has a messenger. And when their messenger comes, it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah did not create the heavens and the earth in vain. This refutes the false claims of those who deny the purpose and wisdom behind creation. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115) states,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This serves as a reminder to Muslims that there is a profound purpose behind our existence, and we must strive to fulfill it.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with deep insights into the attributes and actions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us of the wisdom, mercy, and generosity of Allah, as well as the voluntary nature of worship and obedience. It also refutes false claims and emphasizes the purpose behind creation. May we reflect upon these profound teachings and strive to deepen our understanding and connection with our Creator.