Within Islamic tradition, love for Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) is not merely an emotional or personal sentiment; it is a foundational criterion of faith, a bond linking the believer to the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), and a means toward moral and spiritual elevation. This article, based on prophetic narrations, highlights the centrality of love for Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and outlines its spiritual benefits in this life and the Hereafter.
Love for Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him): A Boundary Between Guidance and Misguidance
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said:
“Whoever loves Ali has attained guidance, and whoever harbors enmity toward him is misguided.”
He also said, “The one who loves Ali is wise and rightly guided, and the one who opposes him is deprived of goodness.”
Love for the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him): A Refuge of the Heart in This Life and the Next
In al-Mujam al-Kabir narrated by Ibn Umar, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) described Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as his brother, his minister, and the one who fulfills his commitments and carries his burdens. He assured that love for Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), whether during his lifetime or after, becomes a cause for divine tranquility, faith, and protection on the Day of Resurrection. Conversely, those who die with enmity toward him depart this world in a state likened to the ignorant, and God will call them to account.
Love Accompanied by Support: The Mark of Complete Faith
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) likened degrees of love for Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) to the reward of reciting Surah al-Ikhlas:
- Love expressed only by the tongue fulfills one-third of faith.
- Love expressed by tongue and heart fulfills two-thirds of faith.
- Love expressed by word, heart, and supportive action completes one’s faith.
He continued, “If the people of the earth were to love you, O Ali, as the angels of heaven love you, none would be punished by the fire.”
Sincere Love and the Answering of Prayers
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said:
“O Abu Dharr, love Ali sincerely. There is no servant who truly loves Ali and asks God for anything except that God grants it, and there is no supplication made by such a person without being answered.”
Acceptance of Deeds Through Loyalty to Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) declared:
“Whoever wishes that the anger of God be removed from him and that his deeds be accepted, let him love Ali. Love for him increases faith, and his affection melts away sins as fire melts lead.”
Love That Burns Away Sins
He further said, “Love for Ali eliminates sins just as fire consumes wood.”
Three Moments of Gladness for His Followers
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) promised that the followers of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) will rejoice in three great moments:
- At the moment when their souls leave their bodies, while the Prophet and Imam Ali (peace be upon them) watch over them
- At the questioning within the grave
- And on the Day of Resurrection upon the Bridge over Hell, when others will be left without answers
Beholding Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) in the Noblest Moments
In the narration of Harith al-Hamdani, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said that those who love him will behold him at the moment of death, at the Pond of Kawthar, and on the Bridge of Sirat, leading the believers beneath the Banner of Praise.
The Passage Across the Bridge of Sirat Through Loyalty
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) stated that on the Day of Judgment, Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) will sit above al-Firdaws on a throne of light, and that no one will cross the Bridge except those who possess the “certificate of loyalty” to Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his pure household.
Love That Grants Firmness at the Station of Judgment
He said, “Love for you, O Ali, will not be placed in the heart of a believer such that his foot slips upon the Bridge, for it shall make him firm until God admits him into Paradise through your love.”
A Divine Amnesty for the Lovers of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) proclaimed:
“Be aware: whoever loves Ali and follows him, God will make salvation from the Fire obligatory for him and grant him permission to cross the Bridge.”
The Greatest Felicity: Companionship with the Leader of the God-Conscious
The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) described Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as adorned with the noblest of divine virtues: detachment from worldly domination, compassion toward the needy, and moral excellence beloved by God. He said that those who love Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) and remain loyal to his path will be his neighbors on earth and his companions in Paradise.
The Reward of Loving Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)
Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdillah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said:
“Whoever loves you, O Ali, and follows you, God will place him among us as our companion.”
He then recited verses 54 and 55 of Surah al-Qamar:
“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers, in a seat of honor, near a Sovereign of Perfect Power.”
Conclusion
According to prophetic testimony, love for Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) transcends emotion; it is a divine bond that guides the believer, elevates faith, and paves the way toward spiritual fulfillment. It purifies deeds, grants forgiveness, and becomes a means for intercession and salvation. Yet, true love bears fruit only when accompanied by sincerity, obedience, and righteous action. It is through such loyal love that the human soul is led toward its ultimate destination: the noble station of closeness to God.
