Hadith #1238

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 fruit of faith is desire for the Eternal Abode.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word "faith" is translated from the Arabic term (Iman) "إيمان", which refers to a deep-rooted belief in the heart, accompanied by righteous actions. It is a comprehensive concept that encompasses both belief and practice.

The word "fruit" is translated from the Arabic term (Thamara) "ثَمَرَةُ", which signifies the outcome or result of something. It implies that faith bears fruits, just as a tree bears fruits. These fruits are the rewards and benefits that one reaps as a consequence of their faith.

The phrase

desire for the Eternal Abode

is translated from the Arabic term

الرَّغبَةُ في دارِ البَقاءِ

Here, (Raghbah) "الرَّغبَةُ" refers to a strong inclination or longing, while (Dar al-Baqaa) "دارِ البَقاءِ" refers to the eternal abode, the everlasting life in the Hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of this worldly life and highlights the ultimate goal of attaining Paradise in the Hereafter. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking the eternal abode, where the believers will be rewarded for their faith and righteous deeds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that the true adornments of this worldly life are not material possessions or worldly achievements, but rather the enduring good deeds that one performs. These good deeds are the fruits of faith, which will bring about eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that the fruit of faith is not limited to worldly gains or temporary pleasures. Rather, it is the desire and longing for the eternal abode, for Paradise, where believers will be rewarded for their faith and righteous actions.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions towards the Hereafter. It encourages us to strive for excellence in our faith and to constantly seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by performing good deeds and avoiding sinful actions.

By nurturing this desire for the Eternal Abode, Muslims are motivated to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and seeking knowledge. They are inspired to live a life of righteousness and piety, knowing that their actions in this world will have everlasting consequences in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the fruit of faith is not limited to worldly gains, but rather the desire for the eternal abode. It reminds us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards the Hereafter, striving for excellence in our faith and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate this desire and to be among those who attain the eternal abode of Paradise.