Hadith #4464

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he warns us about the consequences of seeking the pleasure of people at the expense of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever seeks the pleasure of people by displeasing Allah, Allah will turn the one who praises him among the people into one who dispraises him.

Let us delve into the words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (talaba) "طَلَبَ" means to seek or strive for something. In this context, it refers to seeking the pleasure or approval of people. (rida) "رِضَا" means satisfaction or pleasure, and (annas) "النَّاسِ" refers to people in general.

The phrase (bisakhatillah) "بِسَخَطِ اللّهِ" means by displeasing Allah. It emphasizes the act of going against the commandments and teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to gain the approval of others. This is a dangerous path to tread, as it involves compromising our faith and values for the sake of worldly recognition and acceptance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns us about the consequences of such actions. He states,

Allah will turn the one who praises him among the people into one who dispraises him.

This means that even if someone initially praises and respects the person who seeks the pleasure of people, Allah will eventually cause that person's reputation to deteriorate and be tarnished among the people. This serves as a reminder that true honor and respect come from Allah alone, and seeking the approval of others can only lead to disappointment and loss.

To further understand the wisdom behind this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165),

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing the love and pleasure of Allah over the love and approval of others. True believers recognize that Allah's pleasure is the ultimate goal and that seeking the pleasure of people can lead to idolatry and deviation.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of seeking the pleasure of people is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:54), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic.

This verse emphasizes that those who prioritize the pleasure of Allah over the approval of people will be replaced by a community that is beloved to Allah and that loves Him. They are described as humble towards the believers and strong against the disbelievers, as they are not swayed by the opinions and criticisms of others.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can understand that seeking the pleasure of people at the expense of displeasing Allah is a dangerous path that leads to loss and disappointment. Our focus should always be on pleasing Allah and following His commandments, regardless of the opinions and judgments of others. True honor and respect come from Allah alone, and seeking the approval of people can only lead to temporary satisfaction and eventual regret. May Allah guide us to always prioritize His pleasure and protect us from the pitfalls of seeking the approval of others.