Hadith #6047

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever seeks closeness to Allah through obedience, He grants him good gifts.

Let us delve into the meaning and significance of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (taqarraba) "تَقَرَّبَ" means to draw near or seek closeness. It signifies the act of approaching Allah with sincerity and devotion. The word (Allah) "اللّهِ" refers to the Almighty, the One and Only God. The word (bit-ta'ah) "بِالطّاعَةِ" means through obedience, indicating that seeking closeness to Allah is achieved through acts of obedience and submission to His commandments. Lastly, the phrase (ahsana lahu al-hibaa) "أحْسَنَ لَهُ الحِباءَ" translates to

He grants him good gifts.

It highlights the immense blessings and rewards bestowed upon those who strive to draw near to Allah through obedience.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and emphasize the concept conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186),

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse assures us that Allah is close to His servants and responds to their prayers. It reinforces the idea that seeking closeness to Allah through obedience and supplication leads to His favor and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights that those who strive and make efforts to draw near to Allah through obedience will be guided by Him. It emphasizes the divine assistance and support that Allah provides to those who sincerely seek His closeness.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us that the path to attaining Allah's blessings and favors lies in seeking closeness to Him through obedience. By performing acts of worship, following His commandments, and fulfilling our obligations, we establish a strong connection with our Creator.

When we strive to draw near to Allah through obedience, we experience the sweetness of faith and witness the manifold blessings that He bestows upon us. These blessings can manifest in various forms, such as increased guidance, protection, tranquility, success, and contentment in this world and the hereafter. Allah, out of His infinite mercy, rewards our efforts and grants us gifts beyond our expectations.

Moreover, seeking closeness to Allah through obedience has a transformative effect on our character and spirituality. It purifies our intentions, strengthens our faith, and deepens our relationship with the Almighty. It instills in us a sense of humility, gratitude, and reliance on Allah, which in turn leads to a virtuous cycle of increased obedience and closeness to Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims of all backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of seeking closeness to Allah through obedience and highlights the immense blessings and rewards that await those who embark on this noble journey. May we all strive to draw near to Allah through acts of obedience and experience the abundant gifts He has in store for us.