Hadith #10863

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking the love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by desiring that which is with Him. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (tahabbab) "تَحَبَّبْ", which means to seek or desire love. It implies actively striving to attain the love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through our actions, intentions, and devotion. This love is not merely a passive feeling, but rather a dynamic force that drives us to seek closeness to our Creator.

To understand the significance of seeking Allah's love, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of His love for His servants and encourages them to strive for it. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3:31)

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of love between Allah and His servants. When we sincerely follow the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Allah's love is bestowed upon us, leading to forgiveness and mercy. Therefore, seeking Allah's love is not only a means of attaining His pleasure but also a way to gain His forgiveness and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes that the love of Allah is not limited to the material world but extends to that which is with Him. This refers to the eternal rewards, blessings, and proximity to Allah in the Hereafter. It encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual and moral excellence, as these are the qualities that will grant us a place in the Divine presence.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who sought the love of Allah and were rewarded with His favor. Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), for instance, demonstrated his unwavering love for Allah by willingly sacrificing his son, Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), in obedience to Allah's command. As a result, Allah honored him with the title of (the Friend of Allah) "Khalilullah" and made him a role model for all believers.

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the utmost love for Allah through their unwavering devotion, selflessness, and sacrifice. Their love for Allah was manifested in their actions, teachings, and character, inspiring generations of Muslims to follow in their footsteps.

The consequences of seeking the love of Allah are profound. When we strive to attain His love, we align ourselves with His divine will and purpose. Our actions become guided by righteousness, justice, and compassion. We become more conscious of our responsibilities towards ourselves, others, and the environment. Seeking Allah's love transforms our hearts, purifies our intentions, and elevates our spiritual state.

Moreover, seeking Allah's love instills a sense of contentment and inner peace within us. We no longer chase after worldly desires and material possessions, as our ultimate goal becomes the pleasure of Allah. This detachment from the material world allows us to focus on the eternal rewards and blessings that await us in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of actively seeking the love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by desiring that which is with Him. It urges us to align our actions, intentions, and devotion with the divine will, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we not only attain Allah's love but also experience the profound transformation and blessings that come with it. May Allah grant us the ability to seek His love and attain His pleasure.