Hadith #4454

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) states,

The pleasure of Allah, the Glorified, is the nearest goal that can be achieved.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the ultimate objective and aspiration for every Muslim - to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (rida) "رِضَا" in Arabic refers to the pleasure, satisfaction, and contentment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies a state of complete harmony and acceptance with the will of Allah. This pleasure is not merely a fleeting emotion, but rather a profound state of being that encompasses all aspects of one's life. It is the ultimate goal that every Muslim should strive to attain.

The Hadith emphasizes that the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the

nearest goal that can be achieved.

This implies that seeking the pleasure of Allah should be the primary focus and priority in our lives. It should be the driving force behind all our actions, decisions, and intentions. By making the pleasure of Allah our ultimate objective, we align ourselves with the divine will and purpose.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of seeking the pleasure of Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:207),

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

This verse reminds us that true sincerity and the pursuit of Allah's pleasure should be the driving force behind our words and actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:72), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the ultimate reward for those who seek His pleasure, saying,

Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes that the pleasure of Allah is far greater than any worldly reward or material gain.

The pursuit of Allah's pleasure requires a deep understanding of His commandments and a sincere effort to live by them. It necessitates a constant striving to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Islam. It also requires us to reflect upon the consequences of our choices and to make decisions that are in line with the principles of righteousness and justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of seeking the pleasure of Allah as the nearest goal that can be achieved. This statement serves as a reminder that our ultimate purpose in life is to please our Creator. By prioritizing the pleasure of Allah, we can find true fulfillment, peace, and success in both this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as the ultimate goal in our lives. It reminds us that true success lies in aligning ourselves with the divine will and purpose. By striving to please Allah in all aspects of our lives, we can attain a state of contentment and eternal bliss. May Allah guide us all on the path of seeking His pleasure and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.