Hadith #1589

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a beautiful Hadith that highlights the importance of having sincere intentions and seeking the truth. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the meanings of its key words and drawing upon relevant Quranic verses to further understand its depth and significance.

The word (gharaduhu) "غَرَضُهُ" in the Hadith refers to one's goal or intention. It emphasizes the underlying motive behind one's actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that if someone's goal is rooted in falsehood, their perception of the truth becomes clouded and they are unable to recognize it, even if it is as clear and evident as the sun.

This amazing Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincerity and seeking the truth. In Surah Al-An'am, verse 116, Allah says,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse highlights the danger of blindly following the majority without seeking the truth. Those who are driven by falsehood will lead others astray, as they are not guided by the light of truth.

Furthermore, in Surah Yunus, verse 35, Allah says,

Or have they partners [i.e., other deities] who have ordained for them a religion to which Allah has not consented? But if not for the decisive word, it would have been concluded between them. And indeed, the wrongdoers will have a painful punishment.

This verse emphasizes that those who follow a religion or belief system that is not in accordance with Allah's consent are following falsehood. Their intentions are misguided, and they will face severe consequences for their actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and ensure that they are aligned with the truth. It urges us to seek knowledge and understanding, so that we may distinguish between truth and falsehood. This requires introspection and a willingness to challenge our own biases and preconceived notions.

For example, if someone's goal is to accumulate wealth through dishonest means, such as engaging in fraudulent activities or exploiting others, their perception of what is right and wrong becomes distorted. They may justify their actions and fail to recognize the harm they are causing to themselves and others. Their pursuit of falsehood blinds them to the consequences of their actions and prevents them from attaining true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter.

On the other hand, a person whose goal is rooted in seeking the truth, regardless of the challenges and obstacles they may face, will be guided by the light of knowledge and understanding. They will be able to discern between right and wrong, and their actions will be in accordance with the teachings of Islam. Such individuals are motivated by sincerity and a desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, rather than seeking validation or worldly gains.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to examine their intentions and ensure that they are aligned with the truth. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, challenging falsehood, and striving for sincerity in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can avoid being deceived by the allure of falsehood and instead, attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of truth and grant us the wisdom to recognize and reject falsehood.