Hadith #2121

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being diligent and enthusiastic in fulfilling our religious obligations. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (haris) "حَريصٌ" in the Hadith refers to being eager, enthusiastic, or greedy. It implies a strong desire or ambition to attain something. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be eager or greedy in seeking the sustenance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has guaranteed for us. This sustenance encompasses not only material provisions but also spiritual and intellectual nourishment.

To understand the significance of being eager for sustenance, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah and seeking His pleasure, as it leads to His abundant blessings and forgiveness. Therefore, being eager for sustenance should primarily be directed towards seeking Allah's pleasure and His bounties.

The word (madmun) "مَضْمُونٌ" in the Hadith refers to something that is guaranteed or assured. It signifies the certainty of provision that Allah has promised to His servants. This provision encompasses not only material wealth but also knowledge, guidance, and spiritual blessings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in the Quran in Surah At-Talaq (65:2-3),

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us that if we are eager and greedy for the guaranteed sustenance, we should also be equally enthusiastic in fulfilling our religious obligations. The word (ada) "أداء" in the Hadith refers to the performance or fulfillment of something that is obligatory. It encompasses all the religious duties prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ), such as prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.

To comprehend the significance of fulfilling our religious obligations, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and towards our fellow human beings. It emphasizes the significance of prayer, charity, and good conduct. By being avid in performing our religious duties, we not only fulfill our obligations but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and contribute to the betterment of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our eagerness for sustenance should not overshadow our enthusiasm for fulfilling our religious obligations. While it is natural to be concerned about our worldly needs, we must prioritize our spiritual obligations and seek Allah's pleasure above all else. By doing so, we align our desires with the divine will and ensure that our pursuit of sustenance is in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be diligent and enthusiastic in fulfilling their religious obligations. It emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah while being equally eager in performing the obligatory acts prescribed by Him. By aligning our desires with the divine will and prioritizing our spiritual obligations, we can attain both worldly success and eternal salvation. May Allah guide us all to be avid in seeking His sustenance and fulfilling our religious duties.