Hadith #8648

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

تَقَرَّبْ إلََى اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ فَإنَّهُ يُزْلِفُ المُتَقَرِّبينَ إلَيْهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as it leads to His divine proximity.

The word (taqarrub) "تَقَرَّبْ" in the Hadith means to draw closer or to seek nearness. It implies a conscious effort to approach Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with sincerity and devotion. This act of seeking nearness to Allah is a means of attaining His blessings, mercy, and guidance.

The phrase (ila Allah) "إلََى اللّهِ" in the Hadith refers to seeking nearness to Allah specifically. It highlights the importance of directing our efforts towards Allah alone, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. This phrase reminds us to focus our worship and devotion solely on Allah, without associating any partners with Him.

The Hadith further states, (fa innahu yuzlifu al-mutaqarrabin ilayhi)

فَإنَّهُ يُزْلِفُ المُتَقَرِّبينَ إلَيْهِ

which translates to

for verily He brings closer those who seek nearness to Him.

This part of the Hadith emphasizes the divine response and reward for those who strive to draw closer to Allah. It assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself facilitates the journey of those who sincerely seek His nearness.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking nearness to Him and the rewards that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says:

(Quran 2:45)

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]

This verse highlights the importance of seeking nearness to Allah through patience and prayer. It emphasizes that true nearness to Allah requires humility and submission to His will. By seeking nearness to Allah, we develop a deep connection with Him and strengthen our faith.

Another verse that supports the concept of seeking nearness to Allah is found in Surah Al-Isra:

(Quran 18:58)

And your Lord is the Forgiving, Full of Mercy. If He were to impose blame upon them for what they earned, He would have hastened for them the punishment. But for them is an appointment from which they will never find an escape.

This verse reminds us of Allah's attributes of forgiveness and mercy. It assures us that by seeking nearness to Allah, we can find His forgiveness and mercy, even if we have committed sins. It is through this nearness that we can find solace and hope in His infinite mercy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to actively seek nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our daily lives. This can be achieved through various acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and remembrance of Allah. By consistently striving to draw closer to Allah, we can experience His divine presence and guidance in our lives.

Seeking nearness to Allah also has profound consequences in our spiritual journey. It leads to increased faith, a deeper understanding of Allah's attributes, and a stronger connection with Him. It helps us overcome challenges and seek His guidance in times of difficulty. Moreover, seeking nearness to Allah purifies our hearts and strengthens our relationship with Him, enabling us to live a righteous and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the rewards that come with it. It encourages us to direct our efforts towards Allah alone and to strive for His divine proximity. By seeking nearness to Allah, we can experience His mercy, guidance, and blessings in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to seek nearness to Him and to be among those who are brought closer to Him.