Hadith #4461

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking the pleasure of Allah, even if it means displeasing people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we prioritize the pleasure of Allah over the opinions or criticisms of others, Allah will transform those who disapprove of us into those who praise and admire us.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith by examining its key words and their implications. The word (rida) "رِضَا" refers to the pleasure, satisfaction, and approval of Allah. It encompasses the idea of seeking to do what is pleasing to Allah, following His commands, and avoiding His prohibitions. The word (sakhat) "سَخَطِ" means displeasure, anger, or disapproval. It signifies the negative reaction or criticism that may arise from people when one chooses to prioritize the pleasure of Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:204):

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 not everyone who appears to be pleasing or supportive is truly sincere. People may say things that please us outwardly, but inwardly harbor ill intentions or harbor opposition to our beliefs and actions.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:120), Allah says:

If a good comes to them, they say, 'This is from Allah'; but if a bad befalls them, they say, 'This is from you.' Say, 'All [things] are from Allah.' So what is [the matter] with those people that they can hardly understand any statement?

This verse highlights the fickleness of people's opinions and judgments. They may attribute good things to Allah, but when faced with adversity, they blame others, including the believers who are striving to please Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to remain steadfast in seeking the pleasure of Allah, regardless of the disapproval or criticism we may face from others. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to please Allah, as He is the only one who truly matters. When we prioritize Allah's pleasure, He will intervene and change the hearts and minds of those who oppose us, turning them into our supporters and admirers.

This transformation can occur in various ways. People may witness the sincerity and righteousness of our actions, leading them to recognize the truth and change their negative opinions. They may also witness the blessings and positive outcomes that result from our commitment to pleasing Allah, causing them to reevaluate their initial disapproval. Additionally, Allah may guide them to a deeper understanding of the truth, leading them to praise and support us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound wisdom in this Hadith teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our pursuit of righteousness, even in the face of opposition. It reminds us that seeking the pleasure of Allah should be our primary concern, as He is the ultimate judge and the only one whose opinion truly matters. By prioritizing Allah's pleasure over the opinions of others, we can experience the transformative power of His guidance and witness the change in people's perceptions of us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of seeking the pleasure of Allah, even if it means displeasing people. By prioritizing Allah's pleasure, we can witness the transformation of those who disapprove of us into our supporters and admirers. This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to pleasing Allah, as He is the ultimate source of guidance and the only one whose opinion truly matters. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to prioritize His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.