Hadith #4433

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah and avoiding His displeasure. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises Muslims to prioritize the satisfaction of Allah above all else.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The first important word is (taharra) "تَحَرَّ", which means to seek or strive for. It signifies the active effort one must make to attain the pleasure of Allah. This word highlights the importance of taking conscious steps towards righteousness and constantly seeking to improve oneself.

The second crucial word is (rida) "رِضا", which translates to pleasure or satisfaction. It refers to the contentment and approval of Allah. Seeking the pleasure of Allah means aligning our actions, intentions, and beliefs with what pleases Him. It requires living a life in accordance with His commandments and striving to fulfill His rights upon us.

On the other hand, the word (sakhat) "سَخَطَ" means displeasure or anger. It signifies the state of being in opposition to the will of Allah and engaging in actions that displease Him. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to keep away from the displeasure of Allah, as it leads to negative consequences in this life and the hereafter.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah 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 highlights the importance of sincerity in seeking the pleasure of Allah. It warns against those who may appear righteous outwardly but harbor ill intentions and engage in actions that oppose the will of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:15), Allah says:

Say, 'Shall I inform you of [something] better than that? For those who fear Allah will be gardens in the presence of their Lord beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and purified spouses and approval from Allah. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants.

This verse emphasizes the ultimate reward for those who seek the pleasure of Allah. They will be granted eternal bliss in Paradise, accompanied by purified spouses and the approval of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains in the Hadith that there is none who can save us from the retribution of Allah. This highlights the absolute power and authority of Allah. No one can protect us from His punishment if we persist in disobedience and disregard for His commands. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for righteousness.

The Hadith also emphasizes that nothing can make us needless of the forgiveness of Allah. This highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings. No matter how righteous we may be, we are always in need of Allah's forgiveness and mercy. It is through His forgiveness that we find solace and redemption.

Lastly, the Hadith states that there is no refuge for us from Allah except with Him. This highlights the fact that Allah is our ultimate protector and source of refuge. We cannot find true safety and security in anyone or anything else. It is only through seeking His forgiveness, mercy, and guidance that we can find true peace and tranquility.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking the pleasure of Allah and to avoid His displeasure. It highlights the importance of conscious effort, sincerity, and seeking forgiveness. By aligning our actions with the will of Allah, we can attain His approval and find refuge in Him. May Allah guide us all to seek His pleasure and protect us from His displeasure.