Hadith #1744

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 advises the Muslims to redirect their desires towards something that is truly worthwhile and everlasting. The key words in this Hadith are (desirous) "raghibin" and (Paradise) "jannah".

The word "raghibin" comes from the root word "raghaba," which means to desire or to long for something. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that as human beings, we naturally have desires and aspirations. However, he urges us to channel these desires towards something that will bring us eternal happiness and fulfillment.

The word "jannah" refers to Paradise, the ultimate reward for the believers in the Hereafter. It is described as a place of immense beauty, bliss, and blessings. The Hadith emphasizes that the expanse of this Paradise encompasses the heavens and the earth, highlighting its vastness and magnificence.

To further understand the significance of Imam Ali's advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly mentions the rewards and blessings of Paradise, encouraging us to strive for its attainment. For example, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:31), Allah says,

For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, reclining therein on raised thrones. How good is the reward, and how excellent is the resting place!

This ayah highlights the luxurious and tranquil nature of Paradise, where the believers will enjoy eternal bliss and comfort. It serves as a reminder that the pleasures of this world are temporary and fleeting, while the rewards of Paradise are everlasting.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice also aligns with the teachings of the Quran regarding the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over worldly desires. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This ayah emphasizes the need to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise. We are encouraged to seek the blessings of this world while keeping our focus on the Hereafter. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice reminds us to prioritize our desires and aspirations in a way that aligns with the teachings of the Quran.

By redirecting our desires towards the attainment of Paradise, we are motivated to engage in righteous deeds, seek knowledge, and strive for personal growth. This shift in perspective has profound consequences for our actions and choices in life. It encourages us to prioritize acts of worship, seek forgiveness for our sins, and engage in acts of charity and kindness.

Moreover, focusing on the desire for Paradise helps us overcome the temporary setbacks and challenges that we may face in this world. It provides us with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that our efforts and sacrifices will be rewarded in the Hereafter. This mindset enables us to persevere in the face of adversity and remain steadfast in our faith.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to redirect their desires towards the attainment of Paradise. By prioritizing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world, we are motivated to engage in righteous deeds, seek knowledge, and strive for personal growth. This shift in perspective has profound consequences for our actions, choices, and overall outlook on life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to redirect our desires towards the eternal bliss of Paradise.