Hadith #11307

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,

One whose concern is not for [attaining] that which is with Allah, the Glorified, does not realize his aspiration.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of prioritizing our focus and aspirations towards the eternal rewards and blessings that lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words and concepts mentioned in this Hadith. The word (hammuhu) "هَمُّهُ" refers to one's concern, preoccupation, or focus. It signifies the thoughts, desires, and ambitions that occupy a person's mind and heart. The phrase (ma 'inda Allahi subhanahu)

ما عِنْدَ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ

translates to

that which is with Allah, the Glorified.

It encompasses the infinite blessings, rewards, and mercy that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has prepared for His righteous servants.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking His pleasure and rewards in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah says,

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give 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 highlights the balanced approach that a Muslim should adopt. While it is permissible to seek goodness in this worldly life, our ultimate concern should be for the rewards and blessings that await us in the Hereafter. Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

These verses, among others, emphasize the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on lasting deeds that will benefit us in the eternal realm. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further reinforces this concept by highlighting that those who do not prioritize their concern for what is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will not realize their true aspirations.

By directing our focus towards the rewards and blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has promised, we are motivated to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for righteousness. This focus helps us align our intentions and actions with the pleasure of Allah, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Conversely, those who are solely preoccupied with worldly pursuits and neglect the pursuit of the Hereafter are at risk of losing sight of their true aspirations. They may become engrossed in materialistic desires, temporary pleasures, and worldly achievements, which ultimately lead to emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of constantly evaluating our intentions and priorities. We should strive to make our primary concern the attainment of Allah's pleasure and the eternal rewards that await us. This requires a conscious effort to align our actions with the teachings of Islam, seeking knowledge, performing acts of worship, and engaging in acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their concern for what is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By focusing on the eternal rewards and blessings that Allah has promised, we can realize our true aspirations and lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to prioritize our concerns and strive for His pleasure.