Hadith #1650

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, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Acquiring [divine] reward is the best achievement and coming close to Allah is the pinnacle of success.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking divine rewards and striving to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (iktisab) "اِكْتِسَابُ" in the hadith refers to the act of acquiring or gaining something. In this context, it signifies the acquisition of divine rewards. The word (thawab) "ثَوَاب" means reward or recompense, specifically the rewards granted by Allah for righteous deeds. This includes both the rewards in this world and the hereafter. The hadith highlights that acquiring these rewards is the best achievement one can strive for.

To understand the significance of seeking divine rewards, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, grant us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the hereafter. Acquiring divine rewards ensures not only success in the afterlife but also blessings and goodness in this worldly life.

The second part of the hadith states,

Coming close to Allah is the pinnacle of success.

The word (iqbal) "إِقْبَال" means approaching or drawing near. It refers to seeking proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, obedience, and devotion. This pursuit of closeness to Allah is the ultimate goal and the pinnacle of success for a believer.

In the Quran, 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 highlights the nearness of Allah to His servants and His readiness to respond to their prayers. Seeking closeness to Allah through sincere worship and supplication is a means of attaining success and fulfillment in both this world and the hereafter.

The impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the acquisition of divine rewards and the pursuit of closeness to Allah. By engaging in righteous deeds, such as performing the obligatory acts of worship, engaging in voluntary acts of worship, and showing kindness and compassion to others, we can acquire divine rewards and draw closer to Allah.

The motivation behind seeking divine rewards and closeness to Allah lies in the desire for eternal success and the pleasure of our Creator. When we prioritize these pursuits, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. Our actions become a reflection of our faith and a means of attaining true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter.

The consequences of neglecting the acquisition of divine rewards and the pursuit of closeness to Allah are detrimental. Without striving for these goals, we risk becoming engrossed in worldly pursuits that may lead us astray from the path of righteousness. We may become preoccupied with materialistic desires and neglect our spiritual growth. This can result in a sense of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a lack of purpose in our lives.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of acquiring divine rewards and seeking closeness to Allah as the ultimate achievement and pinnacle of success. By prioritizing these pursuits, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. May Allah grant us the ability to acquire divine rewards and draw closer to Him, and may He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.