Hadith #3180

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إنْ تَخْلُصْ تَفُزْ۔" which translates to

If you are sincere, you will be successful.

This short yet enlightening Hadith holds a deep meaning and provides guidance for all Muslims in their pursuit of success in this world and the hereafter.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The first word to explore is (takhlas) "تَخْلُصْ", which means sincerity or purity of intention. It refers to the act of performing an action solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any ulterior motives or seeking praise from others. Sincerity is a fundamental aspect of faith and is emphasized throughout the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in worship and reminds us that our devotion should be solely directed towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) without any association of partners.

Another significant word in this Hadith is (tufuz) "تَفُزْ", which means success or triumph. It signifies achieving the desired outcome or attaining the ultimate goal. Success in the Islamic context is not limited to worldly achievements but encompasses both worldly and spiritual prosperity. It is the attainment of salvation and eternal bliss in the hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity in striving for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and assures that those who sincerely strive will be guided and supported by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance and success come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, and it is through sincerity and seeking His pleasure that we can attain true success.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that sincerity is the key to success in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is in our worship, relationships, or worldly endeavors, sincerity is the foundation upon which our actions should be built.

When we are sincere in our worship, we strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, without seeking validation or recognition from others. This sincerity purifies our intentions and elevates our acts of worship, making them more meaningful and rewarding in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, sincerity in our relationships fosters trust, compassion, and genuine care for others. When we are sincere in our interactions, we prioritize the well-being of others over our own interests, leading to harmonious and fulfilling relationships.

In our worldly endeavors, sincerity drives us to work diligently and ethically, seeking excellence in our professions while upholding moral values. When we are sincere in our pursuits, we are not swayed by materialistic desires or the pursuit of fame and fortune. Instead, we focus on utilizing our skills and talents to benefit society and serve Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ)'s creation.

The consequences of practicing sincerity are profound. Not only does it bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earn His pleasure, but it also enables us to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. Sincerity purifies our hearts, strengthens our faith, and aligns our actions with the teachings of Islam. It protects us from hypocrisy, arrogance, and the pitfalls of insincerity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

If you are sincere, you will be successful,

serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity in all aspects of our lives and highlights its role in attaining true success, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate sincerity in our hearts and guide us to the path of success.