Hadith #1624

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "تاجِرِ اللّهَ تَربَحْ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Do business with Allah and you will profit.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to engage in a transaction with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to attain spiritual and worldly gains.

To better understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (tajir) "تاجِرِ" refers to a merchant or a trader who engages in buying and selling goods. In this context, it symbolizes the act of seeking closeness to Allah through righteous deeds and worship. The word (Allah) "اللّهَ" represents the Divine Being, the Creator of the universe, and the source of all blessings and guidance. The word (tarbah) "تَربَحْ" means to gain profit, benefit, or advantage.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of engaging in transactions with Him. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 61:10-11)

O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? [It is that] you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you should know.

This verse highlights the significance of investing in the path of Allah and engaging in acts of worship and charity. By doing so, we not only gain spiritual rewards but also safeguard ourselves from the torment of Hellfire. This transaction with Allah is a means of attaining salvation and eternal success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tawbah, Allah states, (Quran 9:111)

Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.

This verse highlights the ultimate transaction between Allah and the believers. It signifies the willingness of the believers to sacrifice their lives and wealth in the cause of Allah, in exchange for the promise of Paradise. This transaction is a testament to the believers' unwavering faith and commitment to Allah's commands.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Just as a merchant seeks profit and benefit in their worldly transactions, we are encouraged to seek profit and benefit in our transactions with Allah. By engaging in acts of worship, obedience, and selflessness, we can attain spiritual growth, blessings, and the ultimate reward of Paradise.

Engaging in this transaction with Allah requires sincerity, devotion, and consistency. It entails performing the obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, with a pure heart and intention. It also involves going beyond the obligatory and engaging in voluntary acts of worship, such as night prayers, supplications, and acts of kindness towards others.

The consequences of conducting this transaction with Allah are immense. By investing our time, wealth, and efforts in pleasing Allah, we not only gain spiritual rewards but also experience a sense of tranquility, contentment, and fulfillment in our lives. Our hearts become purified, and we develop a deep connection with our Creator. Moreover, this transaction serves as a means of protection from the temptations and distractions of this world, as we prioritize our relationship with Allah above all else.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of actively seeking closeness to Allah and striving to please Him in all aspects of our lives. Just as a successful merchant reaps the benefits of their business endeavors, we too can attain immense profit and success by engaging in this transaction with Allah. Let us seize this opportunity and embark on a journey of spiritual growth and prosperity by doing business with Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in this transaction wholeheartedly and reap its abundant rewards.