Hadith #7647

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best action is that by which the pleasure of Allah is sought.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah in all our actions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (is sought) "أُرِيْدَ" and (the pleasure of Allah) "وَجْهُ اللّهِ". The word "أُرِيْدَ" comes from the root word "رَضَا" which means to seek or desire. It implies a sincere intention and a conscious effort to please Allah in all aspects of our lives. The phrase "وَجْهُ اللّهِ" refers to the pleasure, acceptance, and satisfaction of Allah. It signifies the ultimate goal and reward that we should strive for in our actions.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:207),

And among the people is he who sells himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of kindness to [His] servants.

This verse highlights the selflessness and dedication required to seek Allah's pleasure, even if it means sacrificing one's own desires and interests.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:72), where Allah describes the qualities of the believers:

Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes that the ultimate reward is not the material blessings of Paradise, but rather the approval and pleasure of Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith reminds us that our actions should be driven by the sincere intention to seek the pleasure of Allah. It is not enough to merely perform acts of worship or good deeds; we must strive to align our intentions with the pleasure of Allah. For example, when we give charity, we should do so not to seek recognition or praise from others, but solely to please Allah. Similarly, when we perform acts of worship such as prayer or fasting, we should do so with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure rather than seeking validation from others.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of sincerity in our actions. Sincerity means that our actions are solely for the sake of Allah, without any ulterior motives or desires for worldly gain. Allah says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we seek the pleasure of Allah, we align ourselves with His divine will and guidance. This leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment. On the other hand, if we prioritize the pleasure of others or our own desires over the pleasure of Allah, we may find temporary satisfaction or worldly success, but we will ultimately be deprived of the eternal rewards and blessings that come from seeking Allah's pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best action is one that is performed with the sincere intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah. It reminds us to align our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can attain the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah and securing His eternal rewards. May Allah guide us all to seek His pleasure in all our actions and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.