Hadith #11338

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtues and qualities of a believer who strives to overcome his or her own desires and aspirations, while remaining steadfast in the pursuit of righteousness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (kabada) "كابَدَ", which means to endure or bear the burden of something. In this context, it refers to the believer's ability to withstand the temptations and allurements of their own vain desires. This highlights the importance of self-control and discipline in the life of a Muslim. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 79:40)

And whoever restrains his soul from [evil] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be his refuge.

The second word is (kaththaba) "كَذَّبَ", which means to reject or deny. In this Hadith, it refers to the rejection of false aspirations and ambitions that may lead one astray from the path of righteousness. This emphasizes the need for sincerity and purity of intention in all our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 27:14)

And they denied them [the signs] wrongfully and arrogantly, while their [inner] selves were convinced thereof.

The third word is (rama) "رَمَى", which means to hit or strike the target. In this context, it signifies the believer's ability to aim for and achieve the goals and objectives that are aligned with the teachings of Islam. This highlights the importance of setting righteous goals and striving to attain them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 99:7)

So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it.

The final word is (ahraza) "أَحْرَزَ", which means to acquire or obtain recompense. In this Hadith, it refers to the believer's ultimate reward and compensation for their efforts in overcoming their desires, rejecting false aspirations, and striving towards righteousness. This serves as a reminder that the true reward lies in the Hereafter, and that the believer should remain steadfast in their pursuit of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in the Quran, (Quran 82:13-14)

Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hellfire.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strive against their own desires and aspirations, and to align themselves with the teachings of Islam. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, sincerity, and setting righteous goals. By enduring the temptations of their vain desires, rejecting false aspirations, hitting the target of righteousness, and seeking recompense from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), believers can attain true success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome our desires, reject false aspirations, and strive towards righteousness. May He bless us with the ability to hit the target of righteousness and acquire the ultimate recompense in the Hereafter. Ameen.